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Budgets

Trump's Budget Proposal Sparks Concern Over Funding for Indian Health Services

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Lawmakers from both parties are sounding the alarm that President Donald Trump's budget proposal could put the health services of millions of Native Americans at risk in the event of a government shutdown. The Indian Health Service, which is responsible for providing health services to Native Americans and Alaska Natives, is already struggling due to staff and spending cuts. While the proposed budget would fund IHS at $7.9 billion, it lacks the provision for advance funding that would keep services running during a shutdown. Lawmakers vow to protect tribal health services, with Rep. Tom Cole, the chair of the House Appropriations Committee, stating that they will secure advance funds in the final budget as they have in the past.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trump's budget proposal lacks advance funding for the Indian Health Service, which could put the health services of millions of Native Americans at risk in the event of a government shutdown.
  • Rep. Tom Cole, the chair of the House Appropriations Committee, has expressed concerns over the potential loss of advance funds for IHS and vowed to secure advance funds in the final budget.
  • Lawmakers from both parties, including Rep. Chellie Pingree, Rep. Betty McCollum, and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, have raised concerns over the lack of advance funding and the potential impact on Native American health services.
  • The Indian Health Service is already struggling due to staff and spending cuts, and Rep. Tom Cole stated that the lack of advance funding could cut off health care for Native Americans immediately.
  • Lawmakers are working to ensure that Native American health services are protected, with Rep. Mike Simpson stating that they will work together to ensure tribes are taken care of under possible continuing resolution scenarios.
  • The proposed budget would fund IHS at $7.9 billion, but Rep. Rosa DeLauro has stated that the budget woefully underfunds IHS.

Statistics:

  • $7.9 billion - the proposed budget for the Indian Health Service.
  • Millions - the number of Native Americans who rely on the Indian Health Service for health services.

Sources:

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