Per Editorial:

"It's been years since the federal Indian health care system received the kind of wholesale review and overhaul it so desperately needs.
So while it was encouraging to see the Senate Finance Committee voted 20-1 to approve the Indian Health Care Improvement Act last week, one could be forgiven for a measure of skepticism.

For years, the program has been funded at per-person levels far below mainstream health care, and the quality of care has suffered for it.
According the IHS's own fact sheets, more than two thirds of claims for necessary health care procedures not available within the IHS system are denied because of budget constraints. The system functions by paying claims for only the most necessary care - when loss of life or limb are imminent."

News Article:  http://www.argusleader.com

Senate Democrats plan to use the confirmation hearings of U.S. Attorney General nominee Michael B. Mukasey to press President Bush on Department of Justice (DOJ) controversies.

Mukasey (a former federal judge from New York) is likely to be confirmed. However, Democrats say they want documents and testimony from the Bush administration about the firings of several U.S. attorneys, warrantless wiretapping and other DOJ issues.

The White House said it wasn't willing to disclose information or specifics on those issues. Bush wants Mukasey confirmed by October 8th.

News Article: http://www.nytimes.com

February 20, 2007 - Update on the Indian Health Care Improvement Act

Below you will find the updated fact sheet and a summary on the status of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act Legislation (IHCIA) at the adjournment of 109th Congress.

To kick off the 110th, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., (D-NJ), Chairman, House Subcommittee on Health, is expected to introduce the IHCIA legislation the first week of March with a hearing on March 14th and mark-up possibly on April 25th.

THE INDIAN HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT DURING THE 109TH CONGRESS

REAUTHORIZATION OF THE INDIAN HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT

For the up-to-date information, contact Kitty E. Marx, J.D., Legislative Director at the National Indian Health Board, Phone: (202) 742-4262 Fax: (202) 742-4285

July 28, 2006
Action Alert: Indian Health Care Improvement Act In House Energy and Commerce Committee (Posted 7/28/06) .......More

June 1, 2006 NCAI: Broadcast #06-035
URGENT: Tell your Senators to Support Native Hawaiian Self-Determination!
(Posted 6/2/06) ......More

April 26, 2006- Congressional Record: Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2005 (Posted 5/1/06)
As reported by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on March 16, 2006
Summary: S. 1057 would authorize the appropriation of such sums as necessary through 2015 for the.....More

Senator David Vitter (R-LA) signs onto bill limiting tribal giving in the federal elections process. Vitters amendment seeks to treat tribes as corporations under federal election laws, forcing them to form PAC's and register with Federal Elections Commission.... More

For Immediate Release: Executive Office of the President
From the Office of Management & Budget

Office of Management & Budget:
New Web Site! ExpectMore.gov

BIA Departmental Offices FY 2007 Budget Request

Letter From James Cason: Concerning Cobell v. Norton