The thing that has been the most frustrating for me is that, as you will hear in the testimony today of the IHS's Acting Director, they have some criticisms of our bill, which we have been waiting weeks now for more technical assistance.

As I have said before, I believe the IHS should get out of the hospital business, and my bill is a step in that direction.

Unfortunately, for years we have watched this revolving door happen. And you may not be here long-term.

I think that is why you will see that the bill is drafted as a pilot program for the Great Plains region, because we know that we face a different situation than other regions in the country.

Neither the Winnebago Tribe, nor I, will stand idle as Indian Health Service kills our people, patient by patient.

I also want to thank Congresswoman Noem for being here and discussing your bill.

I like the idea of a business platform, run it right. I don't believe it has been run right.

We recommend that this subcommittee work with Representative Noem to locate authority that will put IHS' process at the front of the pack, not just a small step ahead.

the IHS has failed to live up to its treaty and trust obligations to furnish healthcare and failed to treat us with respect and decency.

Will you commit to join me in asking for the HHS Inspector General to investigate those nine deaths?

I must say that we encourage you to pass this legislation, but I implore you do not abandon us after this.

The quality of health care that is being delivered in my tribal communities is third-world health care, and it should not be happening in this country.

they are doing it as charity care, sure, they would like to get something.

I believe that it should be done by an unbiased entity like the HHS Inspector General.

the National Indian Health Board does support Congresswoman Noem's legislation, and we look forward to working with her.

If the committee members would come back, I think that the witnesses have really compelling testimony, and I think it would be beneficial, as this legislation moves forward.

IHS must meet the same quality, safety, and operational standards as all other hospitals.

The Indian Health Service is beyond broken. Fixing it is literally a matter of life and death.

The tribes will testify to you that they believe a lot of the dollars disappear at the regional center in Aberdeen, that it never quite flows down to the people or actually results in delivered health care to the people.

The medical care that we receive at IHS in the Great Plains region is like getting health care in a third-world country.

We found that the agency is devoid of transparency and openness.

The mismanagement of fiscal stability that is lacking in the area and the agency have just completely eliminated my confidence in the agency.

I want everyone to know, and I want you to know that we're obviously aware that there are people scared of retaliation.

I wanted to acknowledge Congresswoman Noem for alleviation of the employer mandate from the tribes.

I think my legislation deals in changing the contracting process, which I think needs to happen.