WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, February 11, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren met with federal leaders and members of Congress in Washington, D.C., to advance key priorities for the Navajo Nation, including healthcare infrastructure, water rights settlements, and economic development.
President Nygren began the day meeting with Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. The meeting began with a discussion about the Gallup Indian Medical Center (GIMC) and the urgent need to move forward with plans to rebuild and modernize the facility. The President raised concerns that previously anticipated funding for the GIMC rebuild had been redirected and underscored the need to get the project back on track. This was a topic that was revisited later in the day when President Nygren and Sherylene Yazzie, Executive Director of Navajo Department of Health Director, met with Mark Cruz, Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
President Nygren and Chair Simpson also discussed funding for our water rights settlements. Top priorities include completing the Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project and preparing to fund the upcoming water rights settlement for Arizona. Chair Simpson is particularly interested in finding a way to pay for the settlement. Finding the right funding source was also the primary focus of President Nygren’s meeting with Representative Crane (R-AZ) later in the day.
The President also met with Ben Page, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Their discussion centered on strengthening collaboration between the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the Navajo Nation. Because the Navajo Nation spans Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah — crossing multiple federal regions — President Nygren highlighted the need for coordinated federal engagement that reflects the Nation’s unique geographic structure.
They also discussed federal grant opportunities available to Indigenous communities and areas impacted by natural disasters, for which the Navajo Nation may be eligible. President Nygren emphasized strategic investments to grow the Navajo economy, including energy development projects and broadband expansion to connect rural communities and support long-term economic growth.
President Nygren later attended a reception honoring U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, who was recognized by tribal leaders from across Indian Country for her longstanding advocacy on behalf of Native children.
“Senator Murkowski has been a tireless advocate for Indian Country and is very deserving of these honors,” said President Nygren.
Following his meetings, President Nygren also met with a group of students from Navajo Preparatory School who were visiting Washington, D.C. He answered their questions and shared personal experiences from his own journey to public service, encouraging them to pursue their goals and continue striving for excellence.
