WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren testified before the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee.
He thanked Chairman Mike Simpson (R-ID-2), Ranking Member Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1), and members of the Committee for the opportunity to present the Navajo Nation’s FY2027 federal priorities. In his testimony, he spoke to the fact that many of these priorities are rooted in the Treaty of 1868 and the federal government’s trust responsibility to tribal nations.
“It is in that spirit of treaty and our government-to-government relationship that we continue to support advance appropriations for IHS,” President Nygren said, underscoring the need for stability and continuity in essential health services.
President Nygren highlighted the need to strengthen Indian Health Service funding, noting that advance appropriations allow for better planning and more efficient use of resources. He urged Congress to extend and expand advance appropriations across the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education while moving toward mandatory funding.
He also pointed out that federal IHS spending remains around $4,000 per person, less than half of other federal health programs, and raised concerns about the $60 million removed from the Gallup Indian Medical Center rebuild.
He also addressed major gaps in education and public safety. President Nygren noted that BIE schools face a $1 billion deferred maintenance backlog and an estimated $6 billion shortfall for replacement and construction.
On public safety, he emphasized that Navajo Nation officers respond to more than 200,000 calls annually across vast distances, with staffing levels at roughly one quarter of recommended standards, while nationwide needs exceed $3.1 billion each year.
In his testimony, President Nygren further called for action to reduce the probate backlog, strengthen support for Native children and families, and provide dedicated funding for emergency medical services.
He noted that the ICWA program faces a $6 million shortfall for the Navajo Nation and urged full funding at the national level. He also stressed the importance of fulfilling long-standing federal obligations through the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation, where at least 40 families are still awaiting promised homes.
Members of the Committee acknowledged several of these challenges. Chairman Mike Simpson (R-ID-2) reflected on the condition of roads across the Navajo Nation, sharing that during a visit he “got 20,000 steps just riding in the van,” illustrating the need for improved infrastructure. Water access across the West was also discussed as a continuing concern.
President Nygren reaffirmed the Navajo Nation’s commitment to working with Congress to secure the resources needed to uphold these obligations and support the long-term well-being of Navajo communities.
