Leaders of Indian Health Service testify on Trump's new budget request

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Top leaders of the Indian Health Service are testifying about their agency's fiscal year 2018 budget request.

In May, President Donald Trump proposed a $4.9 billion budget for the agency. While the request includes modest increases for clinical services, preventive health and contract support costs, it is offset by cuts in construction, maintenance, medical equipment and sanitation facilities.

Overall, the IHS budget would drop by $55 million if Congress accepts the request. Lawmakers from parties, including the leaders of the Senate Subcommittee on the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, have already said the proposal does not meet the federal government's treaty and trust responsibilities.

The hearing takes place at 9:30am on Wednesday morning and will be webcast. The witness list follows:

Rear Admiral Michael Weahkee
Acting Director
Indian Health Service

Rear Admiral Chris Buchanan
Deputy Director
Indian Health Service

Captain Michael Toedt, M.D.
Medical Director
Indian Health Service
Ms. Elizabeth Fowler
Deputy Director for Management Operations
Indian Health Service

Senate Subcommittee on the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Notice:
Review of the FY2018 Budget Request for the Indian Health Service (July 12, 2017)

Department of Health and Human Services Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Documents:
Budget in Brief | Indian Health Service Justification