The House Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2010 Interior appropriations bill last week.

For Indian programs, the bill contains $6.8 billion, $654 million above the 2009 level and $39 million above President Barack Obama's request. The Indian Health Service will receive $4 billion, $18 million above the request and $471 million above 2009, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs will receive $2.6 billion, $22 million above the request and $183 million above 2009.

"As in previous years, the Committee provides funding and direction on the specific issues of domestic violence and substance abuse in Indian country, which are at epidemic levels. These joint BIA and IHS efforts, coordinated with funding and direction provided in the Commerce-Justice- Science appropriations bill, provide more Tribal law enforcement officers, new and upgraded detention centers, improved Tribal courts, and increased access to health programs in order to fight domestic violence and substance abuse," the committee said in a summary.

Despite the overall boost, the committee eliminated $27.5 million from the BIA. Among other cuts, the bill provides no funding for the housing improvement program and for trust real estate services, and it eliminates some administrative costs.

Relevant Documents:
Summary | Program Cuts or Terminations | Rep. Dicks Statement | Summary Table | Earmark List | Tentative Schedule for FY2010 Appropriations Bills

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