Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I, too, wish to support H.R. 6237, which is officially the Proper and Reimbursed Care for Native Americans Act. Over the last century, Native Americans have served in the U.S. armed services at a higher per capita rate than any other ethnicity, and with Veterans Day occurring last week at the same time as the opening of the Native American Veterans Memorial, I thank those who have served and continue to serve in this capacity. Under current law, the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense reimburses the Indian Health Services for any health-related services provided to Native Americans. Unfortunately, not all Indian Health Services or Tribally operated facilities can provide every level of care, and some patients must be referred. For these situations, the VA or the DOD cannot reimburse the Indian Health Service or Tribal facility for certain services. H.R. 6237 would amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to fix this problem and ensure that the Veterans Administration or the Department of Defense has authority to pay for the care Native veterans receive regardless of where those services are provided. So I have to thank subcommittee Chairman Gallego, who is, himself, a marine veteran, for his service and ensuring that Native Americans receive proper care. I urge adoption of this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.”