Byron Dorgan: “I thank Chairman McCain for his leadership in introducing the Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2005. I…”

“I thank Chairman McCain for his leadership in introducing the Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2005. I have been pleased to work with him in constructing this legislation. He and I are united in our agreement that getting the Indian Health Care Improvement Act reauthorized this year is the Indian Affairs Committee's top priority. This legislation was last reauthorized in 1992. Since 1999, the director of the Indian Health Service and his staff have worked with a national steering committee of tribal leaders and representatives of Indian health organizations, as well as with the congressional authorizing committees, on reauthorization of and amendments to the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. The bill that we introduce today reflects many elements of these discussions and negotiations over recent years, as well as testimony received at a number of hearings held by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and House Resources Committee. It is important that we begin as soon as possible to receive the views of Indian Country, the administration and others on this legislation. I am sure that in the course of this Congress, there will be changes to the bill that is being proposed today. As Chairman McCain knows, I am committed to addressing the serious issue of teen suicide that is epidemic on several Indian reservations, in North Dakota and other areas of the country.…”