Top Democratic lawmakers are urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to halt a federal hiring freeze affecting the Indian Health Service, warning it could limit healthcare access for Indigenous communities. In a letter to HHS, Sen. Jeff Merkley and Rep. Chellie Pingree said staffing shortages already strain IHS facilities, and further cuts could worsen access to emergency care, maternity services, and mental health treatment. The freeze, they argue, undermines the federal trust obligation to tribes.

Lawmakers warn hiring freeze threatens Indian Health Service