To provide that employees of tribally controlled schools are eligible to receive a pension under the Federal Employees Retirement System and to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan, and for other purposes.

# Summary of HR 7781 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would extend federal retirement benefits to employees working at tribally controlled schools—schools operated by Native American tribes rather than traditional public school districts. Specifically, it would allow these employees to participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which provides pensions, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a retirement savings account similar to a 401(k). Currently, these federal retirement benefits are not available to tribal school employees, even though they perform the same educational work as federally employed teachers. **Who It Affects** The bill directly impacts teachers, administrators, and staff employed by Native American tribal schools across the country.

It also affects the tribes that operate these schools and manage their budgets. Indirectly, it could affect Native American students who attend these schools, as improved retirement benefits might help attract and retain qualified educators. **Current Status** HR 7781 is currently in committee and has not yet advanced for a full vote in the House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Gabe Vasquez, a Democrat from New Mexico, a state with significant tribal populations.