This is where a simple answer seems pretty evident—even a lying one. But Rear Adm. Weahkee can’t give even a bad lying one and the fireworks begin—because THIS IS NOT NORMAL.
Weahkee: We have a lot of efforts under way--
Tester: --Is there an increase in dollars for hiring staff or decrease?
Weahkee: We prioritized maintaining direct care services—
Tester: --As far as total dollars go is there an increase in dollars for hiring staff or a decrease?
Weahkee: Our priority has been on ensuring that we can continue to—
Tester: --I guess my question is, you said it's the number one issue facing you. I agree with you by the way. So, does the budget increase the number of dollars for hiring people or is it a decrease? I would assume you would know that.
Weahkee: Well, sir we had to make a lot of tough—
Tester: Okay, so it's a decrease. Is that what you're saying?
Weahkee: No sir, I didn't say that.
Tester: So, is it? Look! Come on man! I mean, just answer the question. I'll back you to your guts cave if the administration comes at you, but is it increase or a decrease.
Weahkee: [Long pause] it's really…
Tester: No, no, no. Really? I mean, I'm on your side, okay? I’m a former chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, a former ranking member. I've been on this committee now for eight years. Just tell me if it's an increase or decrease, it's that simple?
Weahkee: Well, sir, I'm looking at our line items, our priority has been to ensure that we can continue to provide direct health care services and those funds have been prioritized and maintained at the levels that we can ensure that we don't have to decrease the level of service.
Tester: That's your answer?
Weahkee: That's my answer, yes.
Tester: Wow. I'm not even going to go into--I'm not even go into facilities. I'm not going to go into what's going on with mental health. I'm not going to go into going on with the problem with drugs. I will tell you that with the previous IHS staff I remember giving a speech similar to what the chairman did and that is if you guys don't advocate for a budget how the hell are we supposed to fix it? I have never had in ten years on this committee, I have never had somebody come up here when I ask them a direct question they don't answer it. I asked you a direct question on whether this budget was up or down and you would not answer. You refuse to answer it.
That is totally unacceptable. I did not come in here with my hair on fire but I'm leaving here with it and I'm going to tell you something: Indian Health Services is in a crisis and if you have served in Indian Health Service for 10 years and you have answered the questions in Indian Health Service like you have here today it's no wonder that it's in crisis. I cannot believe what has transpired in this hearing today. All I want is some damn answers! That's it! And if we can't get answers from Indian Health where do we go to get those answers? I don't expect you to answer that either.
This is an unbelievable hearing. I just got to tell you I have not had one like this in my tenure in here. When I ask a question I want an answer! It's unbelievable!