Congresswoman McCollum's Statement on Sequestration's Effect on Indian Country

Mr. Speaker, Congress should never have passed sequestration. These reckless cuts are affecting families and communities throughout our nation, including those in Indian Country. Yet, when sequestration passed no one thought about how it would disproportionately impact tribal communities.

Our federal government is failing to meet our obligation to tribal communities and sequester has made the problem worse. Right now, in Minnesota, Native American children are losing tutoring services and access to school counselors because of cuts to Impact Aid. Families that receive care from the Indian Health Service are not protected from sequestration. The health, and in some cases even the lives, of tribal members are in danger.

This week, the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee will hear from Tribal Leaders. We will hear how Congress has an obligation and an opportunity to correct this wrong. Congress must take action.