For immediate release

September 21, 2022

contact:

by Manu Tupper or Mike Inacay (Schatz) press@indian.senate.gov

Jacqueline Bissil (Markowski) jacqueline_bisille@indian.senate.gov

Schatz, Murkowski: Senate confirms Roselyn Tso as Director of Health Services in India

WASHINGTON — Today, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), chairman of the Senate Committee on India Affairs, and Sen. issued the following statement: As Director of Indian Health Service (IHS), Ministry of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“The dedicated and long-term leadership of the Indian Health Service is essential to fulfilling its mission.” Chairman Schatz said“I believe that Ms. Tso is qualified, willing to serve Indian Country, and committed to educating other HHS agencies on the special political and fiduciary relationship between the federal government and Native Hawaiians. We are confident that he will lead the way in excellence in healthcare services through HHS.”

“MS. Tso has proven that she has the necessary background and experience to succeed as Director of Indian Health Services. Congratulations to Mr Tso on his unanimous confirmation by the Senate. I am confident that IHS will continue to fulfill its mission of improving the health of Native Americans and Alaska Natives across the nation by providing the highest quality health care. It’s not worth more.” Vice Chairman Murkowski said:

In order to fulfill IHS’ mission to improve health outcomes in Indian country, the IHS Director is the Director of Indigenous Health, which is responsible for developing IHS health care policies, respecting tribal sovereignty, and promoting tribal self-determination. He is the highest-ranking, Senate-verified federal employee in the agency. Schatz and Murkowski led the committee’s passage on Tso’s nomination in July..

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