Political Quotes

“I appreciate the Interior Appropriations Committee bringing their bill for fiscal year 2002 appropriations to the floor for consideration today. H.R. 2217 has programs which address many of the health, education, lands, law enforcement, conservation and roads needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives. I appreciate the Interior Appropriations Committee's increase of the Indian Health Service (IHS) budget of $3,000,000 over the budget request and $124,351,000 above the fiscal year 2001 level. This increase is justified and will provide much needed additional program services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. However, I am concerned with language that is in both the House bill and Committee Report regarding Contract Support Costs (CSC) for Indian Health Service (IHS) programs. While I appreciate the Interior Appropriations Committee's increases in the last few years for CSC shortfalls, the current bill contains some provisions harmful to the tribal health delivery system. The bill would limit IHS' authority to enter into new and expanded contracts which is directly contrary to the federal policy of Indian self-determination.”