Tom Udall

We strongly urge you to maintain funding for these programs at fiscal year 2017 levels.

Will you commit to me today that you will respect the wishes of the vast majority of New Mexicans and maintain the existing boundaries of these two monuments?

I have heard that many of these changes are set to take place quickly, potentially by the end of the month.

I am concerned about the message that is being sent to Indian Country about how this administration views Tribal sovereignty.

In my view, a budget that cuts $54 billion from non-defense programs is anything but balanced.

Dear Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Udall:

I am deeply troubled by the Trump administration's proposed fiscal year 2018 budget calling for the elimination of the NEA.

The administration's budget proposal shows a lack of understanding of the important role that the NEA plays in America today.

I was pleased that this request includes $5 million to support the design for a new facility in Alamo, New Mexico.

We urge Congress to increase Federal funding for Indian education programs.

I continue to have concern about the Service's ability to effectively recruit and retain qualified staff.

So they do have a full leadership team?

Maybe we need to get the President out to Rosebud or Pine Ridge. Maybe that will make a difference.

Yes, and they let you know how they felt about it.

I was pleased this subcommittee was able to secure additional funding for alcohol and substance abuse programs in the Omnibus.

I would like to urge the majority on all committees to follow regular order, hold hearings, and seek Tribal consultation on any proposal that would cut access to critical healthcare programs.

I do not have any doubt that if you are cutting $12 million out of mental health and substance abuse treatment that people are going to lose services, and we are going to be in a worse situation.

If Medicaid expansion funding were eliminated, how much additional purchased and referred care appropriations funding would IHS need to maintain care above Medical Priority Level 1?

It is a really deplorable situation, which we hope you can assure us that we are going to get on a path, so we can remedy this.

Now is not the time to lose ground on the progress we have made.

This has been an issue that's been studied for 30 years by exposure scientists, and there is very, very strong scientific evidence there

I am disappointed that this budget does not invest more in loan repayment and scholarship programs.

Yes, and I am sure that if the $99 million in cuts were restored to you, you could make progress on additional items also.

It is clear to me that any potential changes to national policy regarding Medicaid and health insurance programs--like those contained in the Senate Republicans' Better Care Reconciliation Act--will directly impact Tribal communities and…

But will you begin a formal Federal rulemaking process to replace this rule?