Congresswoman McCollum Pleased With Investments in Native American Communities

Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov

Washington, DC – This morning, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) commended the federal government's commitment to improve the Native American communities. Earlier today, she participated in a House Appropriations Subcommittee markup of the Fiscal Year 2012 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. This legislation sets funding levels for the Department of Interior, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service, and other agencies within the Subcommittee's jurisdiction.

"I applaud the Committee's bipartisan investment in Indian Country to enhance critical education and health programs," said Congresswoman McCollum. "When Congress works together with the Native American Nations, we can help improve the lives of future generations."

"Despite these valuable investments for Indian Country, this legislation contained far too many destructive environmental policies that risk the health of all Americans," concluded Congresswoman McCollum. "It is because of these Draconian provisions, I will ultimately not be able to vote for this legislation as it stands today."

Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.

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