Sen. Dorgan seeks testimony from HHS Secretary

Thursday, July 31, 2008  

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee will ask Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt to testify about mismanagement at the Indian Health Service, Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota) said.

Dorgan, the chairman of the committee, said Leavitt was asked to testify at today's hearing on the Government Accountability Office that confirmed property loss and waste at IHS. But the White House said Leavitt had other pending Capitol Hill business

"He has decided not to be present," Dorgan said of the Cabinet secretary. "This committee will continue to seek his testimony as well."

Leavitt has never appeared before his committee. His predecessor, Tommy Thompson, testified once about the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

GAO Report:
IHS Mismanagement Led to Millions of Dollars in Lost or Stolen Property | Summary

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Senate hearing this week on IHS mismanagement (7/28)
Editorial: IHS mismanagement hurts patients (7/28)
Sen. Nelson questions IHS mismanagement (7/25)
Senate sets hearing on IHS mismanagement (7/23)
GAO Report: IHS lost $15.8M in property (7/22)