24/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 24/07/2024 23:05
"There is a public safety crisis on our Indian reservations," said Johnson. "We also have major needs in tribal healthcare and education. Our efforts have secured major funding increases for these areas, including a 34% increase in tribal public safety funding."
Johnsonnoted that with our nation $35 trillion in debt, these new investments needed to be made in a fiscally responsible manner. "We managed to secure these substantive increases while decreasing overall spending because we implemented significant cuts elsewhere. This is a big win for Indian country and for fiscal responsibility."The total cost of the bill is $72 million below the FY24 enacted level. It rescinds $55 million authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act and reduces funding for the Environmental Protection Agency by 20% from the FY24 enacted level.
Johnson has led initiatives to increase funding for tribal law enforcementon reservations, reform the Indian Health Service, and improve education opportunitiesin tribal communities.
The FY25 Interior appropriations package includes several of Johnson's priorities: