NCUIH Testifies Before Congress on Native Health Priorities
Today, the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is participating in congressional hearings that help shape federal funding decisions affecting Native communities across the country.
The U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies is holding American Indian and Alaska Native Public Witness hearings on March 17–18, 2026. These hearings provide an important opportunity for Native leaders and organizations to speak directly to Congress about community needs ahead of the Fiscal Year 2027 federal budget.
Why These Hearings Matter
Funding decisions made by Congress determine how health care and public health services are delivered to American Indian and Alaska Native people. These hearings are one of the few chances each year for Native voices to be formally placed on the congressional record before appropriations levels are set.
NCUIH’s testimony highlights:
- The federal trust responsibility to provide health care to Native people
- The growing health needs of Native communities, including rising cancer rates and behavioral health challenges
- The importance of stable, sustained funding to ensure access to preventive care and life‑saving services
NCUIH’s testimony helps ensure that Congress understands how federal investments in Native health directly affect patients, families, and communities nationwide.
NCUIH Testimony
NCUIH will testify on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 2:10 PM ET (estimated, but subject to change).
Hearings: Livestream Links, List of Witnesses and Testimony
The hearings are open to the public and will be livestreamed. Links below include the livestream information, the full list of witnesses, and all submitted written testimony, including NCUIH’s.
Next Steps
NCUIH will continue working with Congress throughout the federal budget process to advance policies and funding that protect and strengthen the health of Native communities across the country.
