Cherokee Nation Chief Chad Smith vetoed a measure that would have authorized four new health clinics for the Oklahoma tribe.

Smith said he supports the clinics but accused tribal council members of "political grandstanding." He said the plan would have limited the tribe's future health care options.

The tribe is getting ready to take over the W.W. Hastings Indian Hospital in Tahlequah. Smith issued an executive order to allow Indian Health Service employees to remain with the federal government if they chose to do so.

Get the Story:
Chief vetoes Cherokee clinics measure (The Tulsa World 9/24)
Chief vetoes Cherokee clinic act (The Tahlequah Daily Press 9/24)

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Cherokee Nation to manage IHS hospital (4/16)
Editorial: Keep Oklahoma hospital in hands of IHS (1/18)
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