WASHINGTON, D.C. — On July Fourth, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the reconciliation bill known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.” This legislation brings sweeping cuts across a large swathe of the federal government.
RECA PROVISIONS
I would like to extend a special thank you to Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) for his tireless advocacy on securing the reauthorization and expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).
Senator Hawley partnered with the Navajo Nation to ensure that our longstanding priorities to provide coverage for Post-71 miners, increased compensation for recipients, coverage for downwinders across Northern Arizona and New Mexico, and the inclusion of new diseases now known to be linked to radiation exposure, such as renal cancer and chronic kidney disease.
I would also like to thank our former Navajo Nation Washington Office Director Justin Ahasteen, a staunch advocate, for his advocacy on behalf of the Navajo Nation.
MEDICAID AND SNAP
Some of the largest cuts from the bill will be made through new work requirements for Medicaid recipients, which will likely result in large-scale disenrollment. Additionally, new work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are expected to have a similar result.
The Navajo Nation, in partnership with tribes and tribal organizations across Indian Country, fought hard and advocated against many of the cuts in the reconciliation bill and ultimately secured exemptions from the new work requirements for both Medicaid and SNAP.
Congress carved out these exemptions in recognition of and respect for the Federal government’s unique treaty and trust obligations towards tribes.
“I would like to personally thank our friends in the Trump Administration and across both aisles of Congress—especially our Delegation in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah—for making sure that Indian Country was heard and respected throughout this process,” President Nygren said.
There is still more to be done. Through the FY2026 budget process, large changes are being proposed to education, public safety, the Indian Health Service (IHS), and more, and the Navajo Nation will continue to be at the front line working to make sure that the federal government continues to honor its treaty and trust obligations.
