White House revised Grim's testimony on trust

Thursday, July 26, 2007  

Hearing MP3 Files:
• Opening Statements

• Panel 1

• Q&A | Q&A

The White House Office of Management and Budget revised Dr. Charles Grim's testimony to eliminate references to the trust responsibility for Indian health care.

Grim, the director of the Indian Health Service, told the Senate Indian Affairs Committee this morning that he doesn't know why the language was removed. "Sometimes, changes are made," he said.

Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota), the chairman of the committee, noted that Grim has testified in the past about the federal government's responsibility to provide health care. "You stand by that responsibility you previously described?" Dorgan asked.

"Yes, sir," Grim responded.

Dorgan indicated that the White House changed Grim's testimony because the Bush administration is trying to limit its liability to provide health care Grim, however, said he wasn't aware of any "misunderstanding" or conflicts on the issue.

Grim was before the committee this morning to seek confirmation for a second term as director of the IHS. Dorgan and other senators said they will support the nomination.

Relevant Links:
Indian Health Service - http://www.ihs.gov

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