The military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan are draining tribal contract funds, according to a Bureau of Indian Affairs self-determination specialist.

Dion Killsback used the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana as an example. He said the tribe currently receives about $2.2 million in self-determination contracts.

But in the next two years, he said the tribe will lose three or four BIA contracts worth $500,000 to $750,000 annually. As many as 35 employees will be affected, he said.

Congress recently authorized $82 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and is moving to approve $45 billion more.

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