The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a confirmation hearing this afternoon for Yvette Roubideaux to serve another term as director of the Indian Health Service.

Roubideaux, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, joined the Obama administration in May 2009. If confirmed by the Senate, she will serve another four-year term.

Roubideaux faced numerous questions about an internal investigation into her agency's area offices. She said the review was completed in December 2012 but she didn't offer specifics.

However, she said the IHS has taken steps to correct management, budget and other issues at the offices. As one example, she said the administrative leave process is no longer being abused to deal with employee complaints or misconduct.

Roubideaux also faced questions about the Obama administration's proposal to change the way contract support costs are funded in tribal self-determination contracts. She acknowledged that tribes aren't happy with the proposal, which was included in the fiscal year 2014 budget request.

The hearing lasted about 55 minutes.

Committee Notice:
Nomination of Yvette Roubideaux to be Director of the Indian Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Reappointment) (June 12, 2013)

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