Lisa Murkowski

Today we are far more energy secure than at any point in recent memory.

I think the invitation that Senator Lankford just gave both of you to rethink whether this is good enough or is there more is a good one.

We need your help in these counts. We cannot take the excuse that we are trying anymore.

This may seem like a bean-counting technical bill but it is the foundational piece for change for Native American students.

There is going to be accountability and eventually, we are going to have to call out people when they are not performing.

There is anger. There is frustration, and rightly so, because as a government, as an agency, we are failing these people.

I would like to think that we are not going to be going down another path with the same situation where we acknowledge that there is a Federal responsibility.

What would happen is Contract Support Costs would be short-changed, short-funded, and years of litigation, lots of money spent on good lawyers to argue that case.

Let us separate it from the funding needs. But do you think that it is reasonable that Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations should essentially be required to donate the use of their space to operate healthcare programs that are a Federal…

Thank you, Senator Daines.

Unfortunately, the budget proposal does not include funds in fiscal year 2018.

This was the first time that we had been successful in including money in the program since 2008.

I think that that would be helpful. So if you would be willing to work with us on that.

So do you think that by the end of the fiscal year, you will have provided the schedule for the remaining balance of the $5 million?

Village Built Clinics have had an important role in Alaska.

If decisions are going to be made to make reductions in this particular program, again, we need to understand what that is going to be doing to the delivery of the services that are expected.

This budget request proposes an 18 percent cut to the facilities program.

Housing is definitely a concern in Rosebud, Pine Ridge, and other rural, remote locations.

It is one thing to get folks out there. It is another thing to keep them.

I think we all recognize that this has got to be a priority.

If you do not have the numbers and the data between IHS and Health and Social Services, how can I do a fair assessment as to the impact of these proposals on our Alaska Native people or our American Indians, our Native people in the…

I would add to Senator Van Hollen's request that you provide us with this level of detail, but that you do it on a very expedited basis.

We want to help you. We want to know that you have the resources that you need...

I am really concerned with the situation that has been clearly articulated in the fiscal year 2017 budget.

We need you to be the advocate for those within the IHS system.