Native American leaders thank RFK Jr. on jobs issue but criticize cuts in programs

Tribal leaders thank Kennedy for halting IHS layoffs but say HHS cuts will worsen Native American health The health of Native American communities is under threat because of massive cuts to federal health services, tribal leaders told senators Usha Lee McFarling STAT

Although Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said he cares deeply about Native American communities, the health of those communities is under severe threat because of massive cuts Kennedy is making to federal health services, U.S. senators and tribal leaders said at a hearing held Wednesday.

Tribal leaders said that they appreciated that Kennedy had spared the Indian Health Service from layoffs that have rocked other parts of HHS but that cuts to other federal programs — including those that help prevent addiction, partner violence, and maternal mortality — were harming the health of Native Americans, who already face the nation’s lowest life expectancy, high rates of suicide, and many chronic diseases.

“I think it’s so ironic because during his confirmation process, he talked a lot about being a champion of Native people,” said Tina Smith, (D-Minn.). “In his role so far, the reality has been very different.”

The witnesses, tribal and native leaders from across the country, including Alaska and Hawaii, said there had been no consultation with tribes about the cuts, despite such consultations being a legal requirement at HHS if policy changes have tribal implications. The hearing, conducted by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, took place immediately after Kennedy wrapped up hearings before another committee. 

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said she was working with Kennedy’s office to ensure that he was aware of how HHS cuts would impact tribal communities, but acknowledged the frustration of tribal leaders.