Indianz.Com Listening Lounge: Note: The following files are in MP3 format. Intro - 8:27 - 1.45MB Dr. Grim - 9:39 - 1.66MB | Q&A - 30:15 - 5.19MB Panel II - 31:20 - 5.38MB | Q&A - 14:56 - 2.56MB Panel III - 18:47 - 3.22MB | Q&A - 30:17 - 5.20MB

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee held a joint hearing on Thursday on S.1057, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2005.

A slate of tribal leaders pressed for the passage of the act. They cited widespread disparities in the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Members of the two committees agreed. Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), the Indian Affairs chairman, accused the Bush administration of dragging its feet, citing delays in getting the bill passed.

Dr. Charles Grim, the director of the Indian Health Service and a member of the Cherokee Nation, testified for the administration. He said the bill needs some changes but acknowledged that the IHS is underfunded by about 40 percent.

Get the Story:
Indian health needs outlined (The Missoulian 7/15)
Tribal leader calls for health care changes (The Casper Star Tribune 7/15)

Relevant Documents:
Witness List/Testimony (July 14, 2005)

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