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Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and a senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee, issued the following statement today after the House Natural Resources Committee passed legislation by voice vote that reauthorizes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
Last month, the New Jersey congressman introduced the reauthorization bill with U.S. Reps. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, and Don Young (R-AK), Ranking Republican of the House Natural Resources Committee. The bill now must pass the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
"Today, the House Natural Resources Committee showed that reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act is a priority of this new Congress. As witnessed today in committee, this is a consensus bill that incorporates the views of tribal representatives, as well as both Republicans and Democrats in Congress.
"For too long, Native Americans have been forced to endure a level of health care that is far below the general population. By moving this legislation out of committee we are one step closer to ensuring clinics are fully staffed, structures are repaired and equipment is updated.
"As one of the lead sponsors of this bill, I am committed to now moving the Indian health care bill through my subcommittee so that we can move the bill to the House floor with the same spirit and dedication that was evidenced today." |
