"As we all know, it has taken far too long to move this legislation, and as a result, Native Americans have continued to suffer disparities in the health care they receive.

"I do not want to go into the details on how our American Indian friends have suffered greatly because of the general lack of care afforded them. I think that we are all well aware of these depressing statistics by now, and I don't think it does anyone any good to beleaguer this point.

"What we need now is action. Congress must have the wherewithal to move this legislation forward in its remaining days. We cannot afford to let another opportunity slip by us the way we did in the 107th Congress. That is why I think so many people are pleased to see that this Committee and its Senate counterpart are taking action on this bill this week.

"But at the same time, I think that it is appropriate to note that the bill we are marking up today, is a pared down version of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act reauthorization, and I cannot help but think that we have asked Native Americans to give up a lot in order to get this bill moving.

"American Indians and Alaskan Natives have already been asked to sacrifice far too much over the course of their history, for which the federal government has promised to provide them with quality health care services. Now once again, the government is not meeting its trust obligations. As a result, there will continue to be disparities in the health status of Native Americans.

"I understand that time is running out on this bill, and that even in a pared down version, this bill has much to offer Indian Country. That is why I support the Chairman and Ranking Member in this endeavor and will not object to this bill being considered under unanimous consent.

"However, I think that we have to be clear that the bill we are considering today represents a start at best. There is much to be done in terms of having all the provisions in the original version of H.R. 2440 enacted. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this Committee and Indian Country in meeting that challenge, no matter how long it takes."