S. 2539: A bill to amend the Tribally Controlled Colleges or University Assistance Act and the Higher Education Act to improve Tribal Colleges and Universities, and for other purposes.

108th Congress · introduced 2004-06-17 · Native Americans · Latest: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR 6/18/2004 S7007-7009)

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

Where it came from: introduced 2004-06-17 · official record
Who proposed it: Sen. Campbell, Ben Nighthorse [R-CO] · what a sponsor is
What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
Where it stands now: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR 6/18/2004 S7007-7009) Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

A bill to amend the Tribally Controlled Colleges or University Assistance Act and the Higher Education Act to improve Tribal Colleges and Universities, and for other purposes.

Plain summary

Revises the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978 and related Federal education law to include: (1) reauthorization of programs for grants to tribally controlled colleges or universities and for renovation; (2) a definition of Indian student; (3) an accreditation requirement; (4) various specified colleges and universities, such as the Bay Mills Community College and the Blackfeet Community College, as a tribal college or university; (5) distance learning as an authorized activity; and (6) loan repayment or cancellation for individuals who teach in tribal colleges or universities. Navajo Nation Higher Education Act of 2004 - States that Congress authorizes Dine College to receive all Federal funding and resources under this Act and other laws for the operation, improvement, and growth of the College. Authorizes the College to expend money received under this Act to undertake all renovations and repairs to its infrastructure. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on all capital projects and facility needs. Repeals the Navajo Community College Act.

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in Senate), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

A bill to amend the Tribally Controlled Colleges or University Assistance Act and the Higher Education Act to improve Tribal Colleges and Universities, and for other purposes.

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in Senate)

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The strongest published arguments

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Sen. Campbell, Ben Nighthorse [R-CO] · 5 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

Cosponsors on this site

No linked floor roll calls in our collected records yet. This does not mean the bill has never had a vote. Check the official bill history.

Words on this page, explained (2)

Authorization: A law that creates or continues a government program and says what it may do, often with a suggested spending ceiling. An authorization alone does not provide money; a separate appropriation does.
Bill: A proposed law. It becomes law only if it passes the legislature and is signed by the president or governor (or a veto is overridden).

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in Senate)
Congress.gov
Data: GovInfo BILLSTATUS bulk data (Library of Congress), BILLSTATUS-108s2539.xml <https://www.govinfo.gov/bulkdata/BILLSTATUS/108/s>

Record fed-us-cong108-s2539 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong108 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong108