Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota), a newly elected Republican leader in the Senate, is asking President Bush to include $2 billion in funds for Indian Country in the Bush administration's final budget proposal.

Thune led the effort to amend a global health bill to set aside $2 billion for law enforcement, health care and water programs on reservations. Bush signed S.2731 into law last July but the money has yet to be appropriated.

"Congress took an important step in authorizing $2 billion for tribal justice, health care, and water projects, and now we need to start allocating that money to where it is needed the most," said Thune, who was elected vice chairman of the Senate Republican Conference yesterday.

Thune and other Senate colleagues sent a letter to Bush on Monday to ensure the money is included in the fiscal year 2010 budget proposal.

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