Officials with the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho says the Bush administration's Indian Health Service budget isn't enough to meet the need.

Bush has requested a total of $3 billion for IHS, an increase of 1.6 percent, but tribal officials said the money doesn't cover the rising cost of health care. Even though the account for salaries is being raised by $36 million, the chairman of the tribe's executive said it is difficult to offer competitive salaries.

Most areas of IHS saw boosts except for new facilities construction, which is being cut by $52 million, leaving $42 million.

Get the Story:
Bush�s Indian Health Service budget criticized (The Idaho Statesman 2/20)

Budget Documents:
HHS Budget in Brief | HHS Performance Plan | Secretary Thompson's Remarks

Relevant Links:
Indian Health Service - http://www.ihs.gov
Department of Health and Human Services - http://www.hhs.gov

Related Stories:
Daschle to visit Pine Ridge to push for IHS increase (2/19)
Senate panel shares criticism of Bush budget (02/12)
Tribal leaders pressing Congress on funding (02/11)
CDC calls attention to health disparities in U.S. (02/09)
Bush seeks $3 billion for Indian Health Service (02/03)
Daschle criticizes Bush on Indian health funds (02/03)
Daschle asks Bush to increase funding for IHS (12/18)
Democrats lay out plan for minority and Indian health (10/22)
Daschle: Improve Health Care in Indian Country (10/15)
Senate votes down health and trust measures (09/24)
Senate rejects one IHS funding measure, passes another (03/26)
Tribes told to explore health funding options (02/05)
Thompson releases new IHS budget (2/4)
Indian Country receives diabetes grants (12/11)
Congress approves $750M for Indian diabetes (11/21)