North Dakota tribes celebrated the permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

Tribal leaders said the bill will make a difference for their members. It gives tribes more flexibility to use federal funds and updates important programs at the Indian Health Service.

"As they say, you get tired of repeating and repeating your issues over and over but I want to look forward to a bright future," said Spirit Lake Dakotah Nation Chairwoman Myra Pearson, KFYR-TV reported.

The IHCIA was included in H.R.3590, the national health reform bill that President Barack Obama signed last week.

Get the Story:
Dorgan cites health bill benefits for tribes (The Bismarck Tribune 4/1)
Native Americans to See Improved Health Services (KFYR-TV 3/31)

Indian Health Care Improvement Act:
S.1790 | H.R.2708

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