Byron Dorgan: “Thank you for being a lifelong friend of American Indian people.”

Although histories, cultures, and languages may be diverse, one theme was always consistent--the challenges of accessing healthcare and life-saving services.

What you and members of this Committee can do and will do by putting the spotlight on this spot will save lives.

I know that everyone sitting at this table has a passionate desire to fix these problems.

I just want to say that I am concerned about the court's decision in Carcieri and the impact it may have on those tribes that were recognized after 1934.