Cole Remarks on FY25 Budget Request For The Indian Health Service (For The Record)

Thank you, Chairman Simpson.

Good morning, Director Tso. Thank you for being here to discuss the Indian Health Service Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request.

As an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, Tribal issues have always been at the forefront of the policy decisions I have made as a Member of Congress and as a Member of this important Committee.

I have been – and will remain – committed to ensuring the federal government upholds its trust responsibility to Native Americans to provide basic services and resources throughout Indian Country.

I appreciate the important role IHS plays in this effort – delivering critical health care services to roughly 2.8 million individuals.

As a long-time advocate of providing advance appropriations for the Indian Health Service, I was very pleased Congress was finally able to secure these resources for the Agency in FY23.

Advance appropriations ensure Tribes can access quality health care services, even in the case of a government shutdown.

So long as Congress continues providing discretionary funding for IHS, I will continue to advocate for increased advance appropriations so that Tribal communities are not at risk of losing their health care.

As we continue to evaluate long-term funding solutions for IHS, including the budget’s proposal to shift funding to mandatory for FY26, I think it would be helpful to have a constructive conversation today about how advance appropriations and funding certainty benefit Indian Country.

I was pleased to see the budget prioritizes funding for the Purchase and Referred Care Program. This funding ensures Tribal members can access health care services when certain medical care is only available outside IHS or Tribal health care facilities.

I also appreciate the continued support for scholarship and loan repayment programs. These programs play a vital role in the recruitment and retention of health care professionals in Indian Country. I look forward to hearing more about what IHS is doing to address staffing shortages at IHS Hospitals and Health Clinics.

As a former Member of this subcommittee, I’ve always valued its bipartisan dedication. Under both Democratic and Republican leadership, this group has continually worked towards fulfilling our trust and treaty responsibilities, which include providing essential health care services.

Tribes have played a very important role in American history, and I will continue to ensure that we protect their autonomy and culture.

I look forward to working with my colleagues and IHS to advance our commitment to Tribal communities across the country.

Thank you, again, Chairman Simpson. I yield back.