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NALU February 22, 2008: Indian Health: Go for more than 6,000 messages!

Nine years after advocates for Native Americans first began advocating for a vote to reauthorize the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the Senate is scheduled to approve this legislation (S. 1200) early next week. But one last push from the public is imperative.

You played an important role in making this vote possible. FCNL constituents and supporters around the United States sent more than 6,000 messages calling for passage of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to the Hill in the last month, a remarkable number for Indian affairs legislation. Please generate even more messages this weekend. If you've already sent a message, consider forwarding this alert to five friends at "Tell a Friend". Astound and motivate your senators who may think non-Natives don't care about the quality, availability, and adequacy of Indian health!

The final hurdle before passage of this legislation by the Senate will come on Monday afternoon. After dealing with several amendments, the Senate is expected to vote at 5pm on a measure known as cloture which strictly limits debate on legislation and to move for a final up-or-down vote. The final vote is expected on Tuesday, February 26. Up until now progress had been impeded by lack of agreement between Democrats and Republicans and a veto threat by the administration. If the Senate passes the bill, the House will most probably quickly follow suit.

Quality Health Care Needed:

The health situation for far too many Native families is dire and perilous. The current system leaves American Indian and Native Alaskan women far short of the pre-natal care they and their babies need, leaves Native youth at great risk for suicide without community services, fails to provide in-home care for the elderly, and contributes to early deaths. S. 1200 would address crying needs, recruit health professionals, and authorize spending for the Indian Health Service through 2017.

Take action: The opportunity to consider this bill will not come up again this session. This is the time to contact both your senators.

Background: Why do we have to keep sending messages? Many people ask FCNL: why is it necessary to send messages so often on the same issue? After all, year after year, many of you at the local level have asked your senators to fulfill the federal treaty responsibility and provide access to modern medical services to tribes. At the national level, the religious community joined with the active, determined Indian community to "make it happen" so lives could be saved. Any victory involves many phases and ongoing public engagement. Messages are sent at pivotal points like now.

Reauthorization of IHCIA has been the top priority for Native Americans since 1999. But this legislation was blocked repeatedly by parliamentary tactics and a lack of support from the Congressional leadership. Although S. 1200 enjoys bi-partisan support, the delaying tactics continued earlier this year. At one stage, President Bush threatened a veto, but the White House concerns have reportedly been met and the veto threat has been withdrawn. No wonder bill sponsor Senator Byron Dorgan (ND) compared the torturous legislative process to having a "root canal."

More Delays in January and February: During two days of debate in January, senators who visited reservations spoke passionately about needless deaths of Indian children. However, passage of this legislation was again delayed as the Senate shelved S. 1200 to consider other legislation. On February 13 and 15, the bill was discussed again on the Senate floor, with more speeches of support. Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK) worked hard to win approval for a vote, but no progress was made. Senator Dorgan pointed out, vehemently, that this was the first time in a decade that a bill benefiting American Indians and Native Alaskans was being debated on the floor of the Senate and it deserved careful attention--especially because lives were involved. After tribal members launched a flood of calls and dozens of young Indian leaders gathered in front of key Senate offices, serious work on the bill started again. At last, votes on many amendments were taken. The bill still remained vulnerable until a time agreement was reached paving the way for passage.

The last hurdle: In the Senate, 60 votes are needed to stop debate and proceed to consideration of the bill, usually with amendments, and to an up or down vote. Cloture is scheduled for a vote on Monday, February 25. Senators of both parties who have championed the modernization of Indian health need you to help them get this legislation passed.