WASHINGTON, D.C. — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren met with Harriet Hageman and Markwayne Mullin to discuss key priorities for the Navajo Nation, focusing on strengthening federal support for tribal healthcare programs and addressing critical infrastructure needs within the Indian health system.
“These conversations are critical to ensuring that the Navajo people receive the healthcare resources and infrastructure they deserve,” said President Nygren. “We appreciate the engagement from our federal partners as we work together to strengthen health systems for our communities across the Navajo Nation.”
During the meetings, President Nygren emphasized the importance of maintaining advance appropriations for the Indian Health Service through the proposed Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act of 2025. Advance appropriations provide stability and predictability for tribal healthcare systems, helping ensure that lifesaving services continue uninterrupted despite potential delays in the federal appropriations process.
President Nygren thanked Senator Mullin for cosponsoring the Senate version of the legislation and encouraged Representative Hageman to support the House bill. The proposal would also extend advance appropriations to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education, strengthening critical programs that serve tribal communities.
The discussions also focused on reauthorizing the Special Diabetes Program for Indians Reauthorization Act of 2025. President Nygren highlighted that diabetes continues to disproportionately affect Native communities, including the Navajo Nation, with rates more than double the national average. The program funds culturally grounded prevention, treatment, and wellness initiatives that have significantly improved health outcomes across tribal communities.
President Nygren encouraged Senator Mullin to consider supporting the House version of the legislation to provide stable multi-year funding and asked Representative Hageman to cosponsor the measure.
In addition, President Nygren discussed the Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act, which would elevate the Director of the Indian Health Service to Assistant Secretary for Indian Health within the Department of Health and Human Services. The change would give tribal nations a stronger voice at the highest levels of federal health policy and help address ongoing challenges such as healthcare staffing shortages in Indian Country.
President Nygren also raised concerns about the recent redistribution of funds originally designated for the Gallup Indian Medical Center project. The facility is the oldest and one of the largest Indian Health Service hospitals in the region, serving the Navajo Nation as well as neighboring tribes. He noted that the Nation is currently working with the Administration to resolve the issue but may seek congressional support if necessary.
