Secretary Gale Norton will testify about the Interior Department's fiscal year 2006 budget proposal before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee today.

The Bush administration has requested a total of $10.8 billion for Interior, a figure that includes a $110 million reduction in Bureau of Indian Affairs budget and a $75.9 million increase for the Office of Special Trustee.

Many tribal leaders say the request will hurt critical programs at the reservation level. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee agreed in a February 18 letter.

Norton is the sole witness this morning. She previously testified before a House Appropriations subcommittee.

An audio-only link for the hearing can be found at http://www.capitolhearings.org under today's schedule.

Senate Indian Affairs Committee Letter:
FY 2006 Views and Estimates (February 28, 2005)

Budget Documents:
DOI Budget in Brief | Trust Responsibilities | Tribal Communities | Bureau of Indian Affairs | Departmental Offices [includes Office of Special Trustee] | DOI [from White House]

Relevant Links:
Senate Appropriations Committee - http://appropriations.senate.gov

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