The budget proposed by the administration for fiscal year 2018 is a complete departure from the progress we have made to rebuild the IHS budget.

I just have to say wow. After listening to that, I would think that we do not have a problem within the IHS system.

Passing the President's budget would mean less money for inpatient services, preventive healthcare programs, drug addiction treatment, mental health programs, and specialty care.

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

It is clear to me that any potential changes to national policy regarding Medicaid and health insurance programs will directly impact Tribal communities and Native lives.

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

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

I just find quite stunning.

I am concerned that this budget cuts $99 million from IHS facilities despite the Service's estimated $10 billion construction backlog.

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

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

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…

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

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

Village Built Clinics have had an important role in Alaska.

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.

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

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

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.

Thank you, Senator Daines.

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

Stop it. The presidential platform should be used for more than bringing people down.

I want to make sure that some of our smaller infrastructure projects that are so key to a very small, local economy that they do not get lost in the backwash of all of this activity.

we would like the Corps to be able to exercise this discretion that we were trying to give you in last year's language.

Well, and I think along that line, if I may, General, making sure that it is not just an assessment or an evaluation as to the economic justification, but the fact that you have life safety reasons.