Lisa Murkowski

One of my great frustrations at the time was trying to get exactly the data that you have referenced broken out that would be specific to my State.

My concern is that IHS will not get the resources that it needs.

What we're seeing with the opioid epidemic in Indian Country is just shocking.

We doubled the support for accreditation to address these accreditation emergencies, bumping it from $29 million to $58 million in fiscal year 2018.

Thank you, Admiral. Let me begin; I'll just follow on what you have just now raised with regards to the facilities in the Great Plains.

We're still not providing all the resources on the ground we need to address preventive care or to attack the epidemic level of mental health and addiction issues that Native communities are fighting to overcome.

These tradeoffs are unacceptable, especially when we think about the work that remains to improve health outcomes in Indian Country.

The budget before us is still wholly insufficient to meet this Nation's trust and treaty responsibilities and provide quality healthcare to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

I'm also concerned that the budget does not adequately address the opioid epidemic.

I am very concerned that the budget request does not adequately meet the needs for healthcare delivery in Indian Country.

I'm pleased that the budget request provides full funding for Contract Support Costs by maintaining the indefinite appropriations language that I first included in fiscal year 2016 appropriations bill.

This administration needs to work with Congress and make funding for Tribal health programs a greater priority.

I think you bring a refreshing view of expanding commercial space operations to the fore here

They will be included.

That would be a nonstarter.

This administration views its relationship with Native Americans as trust-based, not race-based.

Think about raising the cap on residency slots. Does that help? Or are you still stuck with the fact that these people are not going to be comfortable because they have not really experienced life in that rural and remote setting?

Again, we thank you for being with us today and the level of cooperation that you have committed to.

We would anticipate that you would be responsive to that.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I think it would be helpful in averting some problems if we are able to address it at the front end before there are looming enforcement actions that cause concern.

We don't either. Again, this has not been an issue under your leadership, but it is an issue that we have been dealing with for years now.

Every year I need to go back into my records and find out how long it has been that we have been working to resolve this issue.

We want to work with EPA to find a solution.

We included a provision to limit EPA's ability to enforce the regulation related to the small remote incinerators.