Tina Smith: “8 years ago, Congress asked the Indian Health Service and the tribes to revise a failed system for allocating facilities…”

“8 years ago, Congress asked the Indian Health Service and the tribes to revise a failed system for allocating facilities funding. The compromise they reached may amount to nothing without this amendment. That is why I feel so strongly about it. It is not only about one region or group of regions; this amendment is about holding true the government-to-government relationship the United States holds with all tribes. I ask my colleagues to support the amendment to ensure that all Native Americans receive the health care they need and deserve. Members should know it is unlikely that Native Americans in their States are receiving construction funding for Indian Health Service facilities. All this does is say to the Indian Health Service: Come up with a formula that is fair. Otherwise, your State, the tribes you represent, will receive nothing.”