Four key Senators are asking the Obama administration about the status of a report into the $2 billion Emergency Fund for Indian Safety and Health that Congress created last year.

The law that authorized the fund requires the Interior, Health and Human Services and Justice departments to develop a plan for distributing $2 billion in health, public safety and water funds to Indian Country. The July 30, 2009, deadline passed, apparently without sign of the report.

“Congress took an important step forward in establishing the Emergency Fund for Indian Safety and Health last year, but there is still work that must be done,” said Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota), who led the effort to establish the fund. “A comprehensive strategy for how to disburse the money is essential. I look forward to the report from the Justice, Interior, and Health and Human Services Departments as the next step in this important process.”

Along with Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota), Sen. Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) and Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Arizona), Thune signed a letter that asks the Obama administration for an update on the report.

Relevant Documents:
Letter to Obama Administration (August 4, 2009)

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