[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 17, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       INTRODUCTION OF TRIBAL SELF-GOVERNANCE AMENDMENTS OF 1999

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                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 17, 1999

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing 
the ``Tribal Self-Governance Amendments of 1999'' and am pleased that 
22 of our colleagues have cosponsored the legislation. My bill makes 
permanent a demonstration project that exists under current law which 
gives Indian tribes who meet certain criteria, such as experience in 
government contracting, accounting, and management capability, the 
right to take over the operation of Indian Heal Service (IHS) hospital, 
clinics, and other health programs. The demonstration program, called 
Self-Governance, already is permanent for programs in the Interior 
Department and is an outgrowth of the original Self-Determination Act 
contracting authority.
  The aim of the Self-Governance program is to pare down the layers of 
federal bureaucracy governing Indian affairs. Giving Indian tribes 
direct control over IHS programs has made the tribes more accountable 
to their members, and has resulted in a more efficient and innovative 
operation of health programs than had been administered by federal 
officials in the past.
  The Self-Governance program allows tribes with two or more existing 
contracts with the IHS to combine them into one ``compact'', 
redistribute funds among programs where justified by need, and tailor 
or redesign various health programs to fit specific tribal needs.
  This legislation truly helps further tribal sovereignty. I believe it 
is one thing to talk about legal theories contained in law books but it 
is quite another to see how tribal control and operation of these 
health programs have resulted in improvement of health care to Indian 
people. This legislation provides Indian Tribes with the opportunity to 
provide services and care for their own people. Further, this 
legislation will help reduce federal bureaucracy and give more local 
control over federal programs.
  Similar legislation passed the House last Congress but was not acted 
on in the Senate. I urge speedy consideration of this important 
legislation.

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