David Price

We will honor the trust responsibility that all Members of Congress have, not just those of us that are here participating with you today.

I also believe, as do many of my western colleagues--that the subcommittee should consider including language similar to that of my colleague, Mr. Simpson, his H.R. 167 from the previous session, that would make large forest fires eligible…

We are very concerned about the funding cuts being proposed by President Trump for the EPA.

I think it is imperative that this year we address that.

The Federal budget is a reflection of that commitment.

For this reason, we ask that the subcommittee consider including language in its report directing the Interior Department to work with the tribes in Maine to identify ways to address the impact of the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act.

Education is the key to our tribe's future.

I must convey our profound appreciation for the funding increase for urban Indian healthcare which was included in the fiscal year 2017 bill.

The failure to reauthorize this program would severely undermine the promising progress UIHPs have made against diabetes.

Cheese is for wearing on your head, not for eating.

We like to say culture is the cure.

IHS is still significantly underresourced and usually funded at between 50 and 60 percent of need.

Taking money from Tribes who are also underfunded is not the answer.

In fact, two members of this subcommittee, Ms. McCollum and Mr. Cole, signed onto an amicus brief for one of those cases, and we are very grateful for that support.

That is why I submit to you that $475 million in discretionary funding should be appropriated for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

USET SPF seeks the assistance of this subcommittee in educating the White House on this sacred relationship.

We urge the subcommittee to ensure the trust responsibility is upheld during the Fiscal Year 2018 budget and appropriations process.

So I think the expansion of the joint venture program would go a long way toward systematically replacing aging facilities.

As far as EPA is concerned, you know, we want to make sure that EPA does their core functions...

I implore you to lead the change within Congress that is necessary to improve how the United States views, honors, and fulfills its promises to Indian Country.

We ask the subcommittee to continue our partnership by funding the RPI line item at no less than the fiscal year 2017 levels.

I appreciate the opportunity to testify before you. I would like to thank all of the members of the subcommittee for your important work, and hope this Fiscal Year's bill is as good as the excellent legislation passed out last year.

One thing I do realize is how important the Appropriations Committee's annual check on our Nation's priorities is through the power of the purse.

This country cannot afford to leave anybody behind who wants to enter the workforce and be part of the future of this country.

I am confident the committee will uphold the Federal Government's trust responsibility to Native Americans and oppose the White House's harmful budget cuts.