WASHINGTON – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren testified before the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies during the American Indian and Alaska Native Public Witness Days, outlining critical funding needs for the Navajo people.
Representing the largest land-based tribe in the United States, with a population exceeding 400,000 citizens, President Nygren highlighted the role of the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations. His testimony addressed challenges faced by the Navajo Nation, including infrastructure updates, limited access to healthcare, underfunded law enforcement, and the ongoing need for clean water access.
“These issues aren’t just numbers and a budget. They represent the daily realities of Navajo families and Indian families across Indian Country as well,” President Nygren told the committee, ensuring that Navajo concerns were communicated.
President Nygren urged Congress to exempt tribal funding from sequestration, emphasizing that budget cuts would significantly impact essential services like the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). He also called for making IHS and BIA appropriations mandatory to ensure full funding for contract support costs and 105(l) leases, which are important for tribal self-governance.
He outlined the Navajo Nation’s key funding priorities:
$2.9 billion for public safety to address law enforcement shortages in Indian Country with a specific request to increase the Nations funding by $26 million.
$3.4 million for the Navajo Indian Child Welfare Act.
$1.2 billion for broadband expansion to improve digital access.
$5 billion for uranium mine cleanup to address environmental and health risks.
Increased investments in emergency medical services, housing, irrigation, and Indian water rights settlements.
Chairman Tom Cole and Ranking Member Chellie Pingree acknowledged the funding challenges facing the Navajo Nation, with Chairman Cole specifically inquiring about housing needs.
President Nygren emphasized the need for water infrastructure and streamlined processes to support existing homes. He also noted that his administration has helped build 50 new homes using American Rescue Plan Act funds.
As Congress considers the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, President Nygren reiterated the importance of fulfilling treaty obligations and addressing long-standing disparities. His administration remains committed to securing the necessary resources to support the Navajo Nation’s needs.
