Simpson Remarks at FY25 Budget Request For The Indian Health Service (As Prepared)

The committee will come to order.

Good morning, everyone. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Indian Health Service Director Roselyn Tso. Thank you for your leadership of the IHS, and for being with us today to discuss the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request.

We were all really looking forward to Congressman Tom Cole joining us today in his new role as full committee chair; however, the devastating tornados across Oklahoma have brought him back to the district. Without objection I asked that his prepared remarks be included in the record.

Chairman Cole is the first Native American to ever chair the Appropriations Committee, and he has made it his legacy in Congress to advocate for Indian Country and ensure that Tribes receive the resources they need to take care of their communities.

Under both Republican and Democratic leadership, this Committee has continued to prioritize and support healthcare services for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

I have no doubt that Chairman Cole will continue to advance this critical bipartisan effort as he leads the Committee. There is no one better for the job and I – as well as Ranking Member Pingree – stand by ready to help.

In FY 2023, Congress provided advance appropriations for the Indian Health Service for the first time.

Advance appropriations provide the Indian health system with the certainty needed to properly serve communities, provide stability for health care providers, and improve long-term planning for services – even during continuing resolutions and government shutdowns.

I know this funding does not begin to meet the full need, but it’s a step in the right direction, and it’s a signal of our understanding and commitment to upholding our trust and treaty responsibilities.

For FY 2025, the President’s budget requests $7.96 billion in discretionary funding for IHS, a 14 percent increase over the FY24 level.

Notably, the request does not include advance appropriations, and instead requests that all funding for IHS be moved to mandatory starting in FY26.

I will continue to advocate for providing certainty to healthcare professionals and programs in Indian Country, but I do have some technical questions about shifting all IHS programs to mandatory, so in the meantime, I look forward to hearing how advance appropriations can continue to support planning and operations of IHS programs.

Director Tso, your leadership at IHS is vital to not only upholding our trust and treaty agreements but ensuring adequate and accessible healthcare to all Tribal members.

Thank you again for joining us this morning, I look forward to our discussion.

Now, I’d like to yield to Ranking Member Pingree for her opening statement.