Cuts Shadow Obama Meeting With Tribes

WASHINGTON — Hours after talking tough against Republicans in “fiscal cliff” negotiations, President Barack Obama and members of his Cabinet reassured hundreds of Native American leaders the administration’s programs and efforts on their behalf would continue.

Obama ticked off a list of achievements by his administration on behalf of Native Americans.

Kathleen Sebelius, Health and Human Services secretary, tried to reassure the tribes the administration is working to continue providing health care to them. With Navajo Code Talkers in the audience, she announced plans for Veterans Affairs to reimburse the Indian Health Service for treatment of Native American veterans.

The National Congress of American Indians estimates that programs for American Indians could be reduced by 20 percent or more below 2010 spending levels if Congress fails to come up with a deal and automatic cuts go into effect.

Santa Clara Pueblo Gov. Walter Dasheno has a slew of topics to raise, including education, health care and putting more Native Americans on the federal bench and in senior government positions.

Dasheno’s northern New Mexico community of 2,800 residents wants to build a clinic within the next five years, but he is unsure whether changes to Medicare and Medicaid and the stalemate on spending and taxes in Congress could dash residents’ hopes.