Can you speak to how the Department has worked with tribes in restoring these lands, identifying these lands, and responding to those urgencies that are coming from Indian Country relative to those two issues?

Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

I appreciate the comments about working with the Chair and the Ranking Member and their respective staffs...

These bills also seem to expose the failure of a government that can take literally decades to correct these types of things.

Well, I just have to tell you, we ask that question because that helps us generate more questions, but it gives us a better understanding.

this is about correcting history and avoiding future problems

There is an ever-increasing need for vigilance, protection, and cybersecurity to guard against these threats.

It is time to act so Native lives are no longer jeopardized by the lack of communication between HHS agencies.

The Biden administration has previously testified before this Committee in support of returning traditional and sacred sites to tribes.

Thank you very much for the indulgence in allowing me to speak to the legislation.

Chaco Canyon and the withdrawal would be an example of that, in terms of protecting that sacred site.

I hope that in the next WRDA bill, we can include that authorization, so they can finish Phase 3 of the Tres Rios project.

Because HHS, through its operating divisions, carries out health and human service programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

H.R. 630 is a bill that passed on suspension in the House with bipartisan support last session, didn't make it through the gauntlet at the Senate as they were putting their final package together.

the legislation referencing the conferring with UIOs that would apply department-wide to HHS, not just to Indian Health Services, a department-wide confer policy that would be looking at improving health, health care policies and…

It is substantive, it is non-controversial, and an extension of an existing policy that would apply to HHS in terms of conferring with tribal health providers and health centers in urban areas.

This is an important step for the healing of the people of our Oceti Sakowin.

Thank you for being here. I yield back.