I respectfully request that the members of the subcommittee allow me to join them on the dais for the remainder of the hearing.

My bill would require that IHS update this formula and ensure that the money is getting to those people who need it the most.

I want to thank the subcommittee for having this important hearing on this critical issue. I also want to give particular thanks to Representative Noem for introducing this Act.

It was a dangerous situation.

We thank the subcommittee for having this important hearing on this critical issue.

Well, what created the situation was CMS coming in and saying they would no longer reimburse for services provided in that emergency department because of conditions that were occurring there.

We appreciate Rep. Noem's initiative to take action in response to failures in the provision of health care in the Great Plains area.

We appreciate Rep. Noem and the subcommittee's efforts to address the systemic issues which have persisted in the Great Plains region.

I would also like to thank Representative Noem for her partnership and for focusing attention on the critical needs of health care for Native Americans.

it certainly will help my tribes receive care for more months out of the year.

My tribes will tell you that they feel as though no consultation happens and that virtually they are left out of the decisionmaking process.

The thing that has been the most frustrating for me is that, as you will hear in the testimony today of the IHS's Acting Director, they have some criticisms of our bill, which we have been waiting weeks now for more technical assistance.

As I have said before, I believe the IHS should get out of the hospital business, and my bill is a step in that direction.

Unfortunately, for years we have watched this revolving door happen. And you may not be here long-term.

I think that is why you will see that the bill is drafted as a pilot program for the Great Plains region, because we know that we face a different situation than other regions in the country.

Neither the Winnebago Tribe, nor I, will stand idle as Indian Health Service kills our people, patient by patient.

I also want to thank Congresswoman Noem for being here and discussing your bill.

I like the idea of a business platform, run it right. I don't believe it has been run right.