"The result of these thinning budgets is that many important programs are scrambling for crumbs," wrote Rahall, the Ranking Democrat on the House Resources Committee, which has jurisdiction over Native American affairs.

     Despite the fact that nearly 70% of American Indians and Alaska Natives live in urban areas (2000 Census), the Urban Indian Health Program receives only 1% of Indian Health Service (IHS) funding. The Fiscal Year 2007 Budget requests elimination of the Urban Indian health program and a severe reduction of funding for health facilities construction.

     The Administration rationale for this drastic proposal is that urban Indians will get their health care needs met through Federally funded community health centers; however, these centers are primarily designed to accommodate the homeless and migrant and seasonal workers. Additionally, while these centers are expected to absorb the urban Indian population, an increase sufficient to offset these costs was not requested in the budget. Rahall is seeking a restoration of $33 million for urban Indian health programs.

     "According to Ralph Waldo Emerson, ‘the first wealth is health’. This Administration’s budget request does not invest in the health of our first citizens," stated Rahall.

     To achieve that goal, Rahall supports increasing IHS funding by ten percent over the FY 2006 levels. Additionally, he requestS $90 million over the current budget request for contract support costs to meet contractual commitments.

     Another concern in the President’s budget is the axing of $50 million from Indian school construction.

     "This cut is completely contrary to claims contained in the Interior Department’s budget documentation that ‘providing Indian children with safe and nurturing places to learn’ is one of the Department’s highest priorities. Indian children are poorly served by the budget’s proposed level. I urge the Subcommittee to restore the $50 million," said Rahall.