On the recordJuly 26, 2011
As I have said publicly and privately to the chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, I congratulate him for taking the initiative and showing the commitment to the Indian Health Service by increasing it by $369 million this year. And dental health specifically is up by $13.8 million. That's above the existing level this year, and this year is above last year. Granted, the need is very substantial, and so I am very supportive. The problem is that, with this amendment that adds another $4.3 million for the express purpose of increasing dental health further, it's the offset. The cut is to the solicitor of the Department that serves as the chief legal officer, and it's the solicitor that provides legal services to Native Americans on behalf of the Department. So you're taking the chief legal officer for the Native Americans of this country and making a substantial cut to the resources available for that position. It's kind of robbing Peter to pay Paul. There are very substantial and serious legal issues that need to be dealt with on behalf of Indians throughout the country, and there are very difficult health issues that certainly need to be addressed. So I did not rise in opposition to the amendment, but I do think that taking the money from the solicitor is an unfortunate place to be finding a cut of $4.3 million. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr.…
