Today, NIHB Interim CEO, A.C. Locklear, testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, emphasizing the critical need for increased federal investment in Tribal healthcare. His testimony reinforced the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations and the necessity of fully funding the Indian Health Service (IHS).
Key Advocacy Priorities:
- $63 Billion for IHS: Full funding in FY 2026, as requested by the National Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup, to meet the healthcare needs of Tribal communities.
- Healthcare Infrastructure Crisis: IHS hospitals are, on average, over three times older than the national standard, with urgent facility upgrades required.
- Workforce Shortages: With a 30% provider vacancy rate across IHS, immediate investments in recruitment and retention are essential. Any further loss of IHS staff threatens facility accreditation and the ability to meet the trust and treaty obligations in healthcare.
- Protection from Budget Cuts: IHS funding must be safeguarded from federal workforce reductions that disproportionately impact Indian Country.
- Mandatory Funding for Tribal Health Services: Contract Support Costs (CSC) and 105(l) leases must be classified as mandatory spending to ensure financial stability for Tribal healthcare programs.
- Advance Appropriations for IHS: To prevent funding disruptions, IHS must receive advance appropriations for sustained operations.
NIHB continues to advocate for the resources and policies necessary to strengthen Tribal healthcare systems. As Congress navigates the challenges of a shifting political landscape, it must not allow budget cuts or political uncertainty to threaten the health of Tribal Nations. The trust and treaty obligations to Indian Country are not optional—they are binding commitments that must be upheld. Now, more than ever, we urge Congress to honor these promises by fully funding IHS and safeguarding Tribal health programs from harmful reductions.
