Sen. Byron Dorgan asked North Dakota tribal leaders what they thought about federal budget proposals on American Indian programs, and he got an earful.

Dorgan, D-N.D., discussed budget issues Thursday with leaders of the Standing Rock Sioux, Spirit Lake Sioux, Three Affiliated Tribes and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa - North Dakota's four largest tribes.

Tex Hall, chairman of the Three Affiliated Tribes, said current funding allows for medical treatment for only about six months out of the year on reservations. He and Dorgan said more funding is available for prison health care.

"There is a joke on the reservations that if a person wants to get a surgery, they got to do a crime," Hall said.

Dorgan said the budget proposal sent to Congress earlier this month also cuts money for Indian housing, health and education programs. His staff said it cuts about $77 million from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and he called it "misguided" and "disappointing."

Tribal leaders said the proposal also slashes funding for police, fire and tribal courts.

They also seek more money for job development. Unemployment on Indian reservations in the Dakotas is about 75 percent, Hall said.

About 75 people attended the hearing Thursday at United Tribes Technical College, which faces a $3.5 million budget cut under the budget proposal. The cut represents about half of the college's current operating budget.

United Tribes President David Gipp said it is the fifth straight year that Congress is being asked to restore money for the college. It has been part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs budget.

"I'll see to it," Dorgan said. "I am confident funding will come from Congress."