Who can deliver more funds for the Indian Health Service? That is a question emerging among the candidates for U.S. Senate in South Dakota.

Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) has sought consistently to boost the agency's funding by billions of dollars. But the Republican majority in the Senate always defeats his proposals.

Opponent John Thune, a Republican, criticizes Daschle's efforts as "overpromising and underdelivering" to Indian Country. He says he supports steady increases in the IHS budget.

Tim Giago, the independent candidate, takes the view expressed by many tribal leaders. If the U.S. can find $87 billion in Iraq, it can find more money for Indian Country, he says.

Get the Story:
Senate OKs budget boost for Indian Health Service (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 4/2)

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

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