WEEKLY UPDATES

A glimpse into our office's week

U.S. DOT Assistant Secretary James Crawford Visits Navajo Nation

As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's commitment to strengthening tribal infrastructure and self-governance, Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs visited the Navajo Nation on Thursday, for a full day of engagement with Navajo leadership and Navajo DOT officials.

HHS Holds Tribal Listening Session

On Wednesday and Thursday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services held an online two-day tribal listening session that was focused on the HHS internal reorganization plans. Among those who attended were Delegate Germaine Simonson, Delegate Andy Nez, and Director Thomas Cody from the Navajo Division of Social Services.

Confirmation Hearing of William "Billy" Kirkland

On Thursday, William "Billy" Kirkland attended a hearing to consider his nomination for the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs position within the Department of the Interior. Kirkland would be the first Navajo to hold this position, if confirmed.

Update on Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies released its bill for the FY2026 budget on Wednesday. At the top line, the cuts that were of most concern to Navajo were not present. More details will be available on specific items once the Committee Report is released.

WEEK IN REVIEW

Noteworthy headlines you might have missed

What RECA's Expansion Means

to the Navajo Nation and Downwinders in Utah

KUER

When Congress passed the federal budget bill in early July, it reauthorized the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. Read More.

A Rug, A Memory, A Nation: Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund Honors Irish Friendship

Navajo Times

Leaders of the Yee Ha'ólníi Doo DBA Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund have been in Ireland since July 8 to honor that connection on a global stage. Read More.

LEGISLATIVE FOCUS

Congressional Committee Activity

THIS WEEK

Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Bill

House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

Monday, July 14, 2025 at 5:00pm in 2358-A Rayburn House Office Building. Click here for more information.

Legislative Proposals to Maintain and Improve the Public Health Workforce, Rural Health, and Over-the-Counter Medicines

House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 10:00am in 2123 Rayburn House Office Building. Click here for more information.

Business Meeting to consider S.1038, S. 1098, S.1528 and various nominations

Senate Judiciary Committee

Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 9:15am in 216 Hart Senate Office Building. Click here for more information.

Business Meeting to Markup the "Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026," the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026," and the "Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026"

Senate Appropriations Committee

Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 9:30am in 106 Dirksen Senate Office Building. Click here for more information.

Hearings to Examine the Nomination of William Kirkland, of Georgia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Interior

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 2:45pm in 628 Dirksen Senate Office Building. Click here for more information.

NEXT WEEK

Hearing to Examine Ending Illegal Discrimination and Preferences, Focusing on Enforcing Our Civil Rights Laws

Senate Judiciary Committee

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 2:30pm in 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building. Click here for more information.

Business Meeting to consider S.1038, S. 1098, S.1528 and various nominations

Senate Judiciary Committee

Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 10:15am in 216 Hart Senate Office Building. Click here for more information.

For more information regarding topics provided in the newsletter, please contact NNWO at info@nnwo.org

Navajo Nation Washington Office | www.nnwo.org