Navajo Nation Washington Office

Official page of the Navajo Nation Washington Office This relationship finds its foundation in our sacred Treaty of 1868.

Enter Washington, DC from any direction, on any road, and you will experience its most striking qualities--national monuments, world-renowned museums, and most importantly, the center of the United States political power. The Navajo Nation has a storied history with the United States government that has resulted in a government-to-government relationship between the two sovereigns. Navajo leaders

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - July 22, 2024 07/22/2024

Check out this week's WW to learn more about the unique challenges Navajo is facing and why the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act is so important.

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Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - July 22, 2024 Updates from Wááshindoon   Wááshindoon Weekly July 22, 2024 WEEK IN REVIEW Noteworthy headlines you might have missed   'Our Vote Can Create Change' US Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Touton Visits

Press Release - President Biden Will Not Accept Nomination 07/22/2024

Yesterday, President Biden announced he would not accept the Democrat Party's nomination for president, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic Nominee. Read more about his announcement below.

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Press Release - President Biden Will Not Accept Nomination Endorses Vice President Kamala Harris     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE President Joe Biden Will Not Accept Nomination; Endorses Vice President Kamala Harris WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Joe Biden announced y

07/11/2024
Photos from Rep. Eli Crane's post 07/11/2024
Photos from Navajo Nation Washington Office's post 07/08/2024

Navajo Water Rights Settlement Legislation Introduced in Congress

WASHINGTON – Today, Arizona’s two U.S. senators and four members of congress introduced legislation to authorize the country’s largest Indian water rights settlement, which resolves water claims by the Navajo, Hopi and San Juan Southern Paiute nations.

Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), Congressman Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), Congressman David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) and Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) introduced the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, a historic bill that will make desperately needed drinking water available to thousands of Navajo people for the first time.

“This legislation and the settlement it ratifies represent a historic step forward in resolving a decades-long water rights dispute, providing certainty and stability for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. Securing water rights for these tribes upholds their sovereignty and lays the path for their growth and prosperity through increased investment in water infrastructure,” said Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. “Ratifying this settlement honors our commitment to the tribes and helps secure our state’s water future, and we’ll work together as Republicans and Democrats to get it done.”

“The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement and this legislation, which I am proud to introduce, will provide a long-lasting partnership between our state and Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. This not only gives much-needed certainty to the Tribes but allows Arizona to better plan for a secure water future while providing for improved water infrastructure throughout the region,” said Arizona Representative Juan Ciscomani.

The settlement will resolve the most significant outstanding water claims within Arizona. After decades of negotiations, Navajo Nation leaders applaud this milestone and are expressing appreciation and thanks to congressional leaders for introducing the legislation.

“For too long our Navajo people have lived without piped water in their homes, and to this day many of our elders are still hauling water over 30 miles roundtrip,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. “More than 30 percent of the homes on the Navajo Nation lack running water. This is unacceptable.”

He said no one in America should be denied access to water because of where they live. The Navajo people deserve to have their right to the water that flows along their border and below their land fulfilled on parity with everyone else in this country, he said.

He called the settlement a pathway “to ensure an equal opportunity for health and prosperity for the three Indigenous nations that are parties to the settlement.”

The bill authorizes $5 billion in federal funding for water infrastructure on the sovereign territories of the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. If authorized by Congress, infrastructure constructed on the Navajo Nation funded by the legislation will bring substantial clean, safe and reliable drinking water to Navajo communities in Arizona. This will make possible the connection of tens of thousands of Navajo people in Arizona to piped water in their homes for the first time ever.

25th Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley said “the Navajo Nation appreciates that the costs of the settlement are significant.”

“But so are the water development and infrastructure needs on our Nation,” she said. “Water is life, and as Diné, we don’t place a price tag on life. As we saw in recent years, our people are disproportionately impacted by health disparities because of the limited access to water in our homes and communities.”

“The Navajo Nation needs this water to pursue development at every level,” she said. “Whether it is to grow our communities or sustain future generations.”

The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act quantifies the Navajo Nation’s water rights in the Upper Colorado River Basin, the Lower Colorado River Basin and the Little Colorado River Basin. It provides certainty to all water users in those basins.

Under the terms of the settlement, the Navajo Nation will have the right to substantial amounts of Colorado River water from the State of Arizona’s Upper Colorado River Basin allocation and some from its Lower Colorado River Basin allocation. That will provide the water necessary for the Nation’s future.

The settlement provides that the Nation shall be entitled to all groundwater underlying the Navajo Nation and all Little Colorado River and wash water that reaches the Navajo Nation (with the shared tribal resources subject to an intertribal agreement with the Hopi Tribe).

Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch said “This settlement is vital to ensuring the Nation’s ability to pursue meaningful nation building and create a permanent homeland for the Navajo people.”

“It provides us with certainty that the Navajo Nation will continue indefinitely,” she said. “It provides all Colorado River basin communities with certainty as to water supply by resolving the Navajo Nation’s substantial claims in both the Upper and Lower Basins of the Colorado River.”

Once approved, she said, “the settlement establishes a direction for stronger cooperation and coordination for stable futures for all communities in the basin – both tribal and non-tribal.”

On May 23, 2024, the 25th Navajo Nation Council unanimously approved the settlement. President Nygren signed it the following day. The settlement represents a historic achievement for the largest tribe in the country with a land base larger than 10 states and roughly equivalent to the size of West Virginia.

The settlement was unanimously approved by the Hopi and San Juan Southern Paiute tribal councils in May.

The next step in legislative process is for the bills to be considered at legislative hearings held by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries.

Projects in the settlement include the iiná bá – paa tuwaqat’si pipeline – formerly known as the Western Navajo Pipeline, the Four Corners Project, the Southwest Regional Groundwater Project, the Ganado Regional Groundwater Project, the Black Mesa Regional Groundwater Project, the Lupton Area Project, the Kayenta Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project and the Code Talker Lateral Extension.

For more about Navajo water rights, visit https://nnwrc.navajo-nsn.gov/.

# # #

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - July 1, 2024 07/01/2024

We had a special visit from the CocoNuts Robotics Team of Coconino High School last week, and we couldn't be more proud of their recent achievement! They've been recognized with the 2024 FIRST Impact Award for their incredible efforts in promoting STEM education across the Navajo Nation. Congratulations to the CocoNuts team on this well-deserved recognition! Read about their inspiring story and more in the latest edition of Wááshindoon Weekly!

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Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - July 1, 2024 Updates from Wááshindoon   Wááshindoon Weekly July 1, 2024 WEEK IN REVIEW Noteworthy headlines you might have missed   'Our Vote Can Create Change' Navajo Voters Coalition Spreads Word on Updated Prim

Happening This Week: Premiere of "The Conqueror: Hollywood Fallout" 06/25/2024

Don't Miss the DC Premiere of "The Conqueror: Hollywood Fallout"
Uncover the dark history behind the 1956 film "The Conqueror" and its link to radiation exposure among its cast, including John Wayne. Stay for a compelling panel discussion post-screening.
📅 Thursday, July 26, 2024
🕒 7:00pm ET
📍 Regal Gallery Place

Events like this are crucial in keeping the conversation about RECA alive. Click the link to learn more!
https://conta.cc/3xw8OaM

Happening This Week: Premiere of "The Conqueror: Hollywood Fallout" Join NNWO at the DC Premiere and Q&A Session tomorrow!     Join Us for the Premiere of "The Conqueror: Hollywood Fallout" Dive into a riveting haunting piece of history with the premiere of "The Conq

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - June 21, 2024 06/22/2024

This week we report on President Nygren's meetings with Utah Leaders to strengthen collaboration and we introduce our Summer 2024 interns. Click the link below to read about these and more in our weekly newsletter!

https://conta.cc/3RDwzoi

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - June 21, 2024 Updates from Wááshindoon   Wááshindoon Weekly June 21, 2024 WEEK IN REVIEW Noteworthy headlines you might have missed   Navajo President Signs Landmark ARPA Legislation to Double Infrastructure Proje

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - June 10, 2024 06/10/2024

Check out the latest edition of Wááshindoon Weekly, where we discuss Water Rights, RECA, the recent Supreme Court Case concerning IHS and more!

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Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - June 10, 2024 Updates from Wááshindoon   Wááshindoon Weekly June 10, 2024 WEEK IN REVIEW Noteworthy headlines you might have missed   Diné College, ASU Collaborate on Navajo Law Program Associated Press  Diné Coll

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - May 31, 2024 05/31/2024

Check out this weeks Wááshindoon Weekly!

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Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - May 31, 2024 Updates from Wááshindoon   Wááshindoon Weekly May 31, 2024 WEEK IN REVIEW Noteworthy headlines you might have missed   Republican Blocks Confirmation of first Native American federal judge for Montana

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - May 18, 2024 05/18/2024

Discover how Navajo Nation leaders are making strides in DC, fighting for RECA, and pushing for public safety and justice improvements. Get the full story on their important work and more in this week's Wááshindoon Weekly!

https://conta.cc/4bDWRhq

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - May 18, 2024 Updates from Wááshindoon and Beyond   Wááshindoon Weekly May 18, 2024 WEEK IN REVIEW Noteworthy headlines you might have missed   'Time is Running Out': Navajo Nation Urges Congress to Act on Radiatio

Photos from Navajo Nation Washington Office's post 05/16/2024

🌟 Honoring Our Past, Fighting for Our Future 🌟

Tonight, the Navajo Nation Washington Office joined a solemn candlelight vigil to honor the lives lost to uranium radiation exposure. This heartfelt event was part of our ongoing campaign urging US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson to bring critical amendments to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to the floor for a vote.

These amendments, already passed by the Senate with a resounding 69-30 vote, aim to expand the scope of RECA and provide much-needed compensation to victims and their families. With the program set to end on June 10, time is of the essence. Our leaders are steadfastly advocating on Capitol Hill, ensuring that the voices of our people are heard.

During the vigil, the Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council offered a moving prayer in Navajo, reminding us all of the strength and resilience of our community. Together, we stand in solidarity, honoring those we've lost and fighting for justice for all who have suffered.

Thank you for your continued support. Let’s keep pushing forward. ✊🏽💛🕯️

Photos from Navajo Nation Washington Office's post 05/15/2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Navajo Nation Leaders Advocates for Critical Amendments to Radiation Exposure Compensation Act in Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON D.C. — Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren, alongside Speaker of the 25th Navajo Nation Council Cystalyne Curley and Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Washington Office Justin Ahasteen, was in Washington D.C. this week to push for essential amendments to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). Their visit includes meetings with impacted uranium miners & Congress members. A press conference and a prayer vigil will be held later in the week to pay tribute to those affected and highlight the urgent need for legislative action.

Throughout the Cold War, the Navajo Nation was disproportionally impacted by uranium mining, leading to severe health issues and environmental degradation which persist today. The existing RECA, established in 1990, inadequately addresses the breadth of conditions and communities affected by radiation exposure, leaving many Navajo families without recourse or compensation.

President Nygren expressed the gravity of the situation: "Our people have borne the cost of America's nuclear program in their health and well-being. The amendments we advocate for today are not merely legislative changes; they are affirmations of justice and a commitment to heal the wounds of the past."

The proposed amendments aim to extend RECA’s coverage to include post-1971 uranium miners, recognize additional diseases such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and chronic kidney illnesses, and improve the claims process, making it more accessible for Navajo claimants.

Speaker Cystalyne Curley emphasized the transformative potential of expanding RECA: "By broadening RECA, we champion not just the Navajo Nation but all similarly impacted communities nationwide. This initiative is pivotal in rectifying a long-standing injustice and securing equitable compensation for every affected individual” she said.

Justin Ahasteen, Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Washington Office, called on Congress to act swiftly: "Time is running out. Every day without these amendments means another day without justice for our people. We urge Congress to stand on the right side of history and pass these crucial amendments."

The Navajo delegation’s advocacy is supported by bipartisan leaders such as Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, New Mexico Senator Ben Ray Lujan, and Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, New Mexico Congresswoman Teresa Liger-Fernandez, Arizona Congressman’s Paul Gosar and Eli Crane; all who have emphasized the widespread acknowledgment of the issue. The proposed amendments are seen not just as a fulfillment of a legal obligation but as a moral duty to address the consequences of historical injustices.

As the legislative window narrows, the urgency for Congress to act cannot be overstated. The Navajo Nation calls for immediate passage of S. 3853 - The Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act, ensuring that justice is no longer delayed for the Navajo people and other affected communities.

# # #

Demand Justice for the Navajo Uranium Miners – Advocate for the RECA Reauthorization! 05/11/2024

Join us in Washington D.C. to Demand Congress to Reauthorize and Expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act! Read more here: https://conta.cc/3wH2Nr8

Demand Justice for the Navajo Uranium Miners – Advocate for the RECA Reauthorization! Join Our Advocacy Week     Demand Justice for the Navajo Uranium Miners – Advocate for the RECA Reauthorization! Leslie T. Begay Jr., a full-blooded Navajo and Marine Corps veteran, represents the end

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - May 3, 2024 05/04/2024

This week, NNWO Director Ahasteen testified on the importance of AM radio in vehicles. Click the link below to read about his testimony and more, in this week's edition of Wááshindoon Weekly.

https://conta.cc/4dt2MYr

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - May 3, 2024 Updates from Wááshindoon and Beyond   Wááshindoon Weekly May 3, 2024 WEEK IN REVIEW Noteworthy headlines you might have missed   DNC Marks Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day Across

Press Release: NNWO Executive Director Testifies on AM Radio Importance 04/30/2024

Today, NNWO Executive Director testified before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce. In support of the "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act," Director Ahasteen highlighted the significance of AM radio as a lifeline for the Navajo people, especially in emergency situations where other forms of communication falter. Click the link below to access the complete press release.

https://conta.cc/4dnEYWa

Press Release: NNWO Executive Director Testifies on AM Radio Importance Read about the hearing titled 'Preserving Americans' Access to AM Radio'   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NNWO Director Urges Legislation to Ensure Lifeline Communication is Accessible in Every Vehicle   NNWO

04/27/2024

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren shares update on train derailment near Lupton, Arizona

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 26, 2024

LUPTON, Ariz. – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren issued the following statement regarding the train derailment that occurred on the New Mexico side of the Arizona-New Mexico state line near Lupton, Arizona, on Friday, April 26, 2024.

“Today, federal, tribal and local agencies responded to a train derailment near Lupton, Arizona. The incident involves multiple train cars carrying flammable materials that ignited and necessitated the emergency evacuation of several nearby families. Our deepest concern is for the safety and well-being of our citizens and those directly affected by this incident.

“My administration is working with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration and BNSF to carry out precise evaluations of the incident. These specialists will join the resources from the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Police Department and other tribal resources that are currently on the ground securing the impacted zone.

“I spoke with United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and he has committed to addressing the issue.

“At this time, we urge everyone to stay clear of the affected area to allow emergency and hazmat teams to manage the situation efficiently. Local emergency crews have assured us that there is a low risk of immediate danger to the public. However, we are taking all necessary precautions, including the evacuation of several homes in connection with directives from the U.S. Department of Transportation and their two-mile radius emergency evacuation order issued a short time ago.

“The incident has also impacted traffic on Interstate 40, which has now largely been redirected through the Navajo Nation, causing delays. We ask for patience as public safety agencies reroute traffic safely.

“We are working closely with McKinley County, Apache County, and various tribal, state, and federal agencies to ensure a coordinated response. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as possible.

“Updates on the situation will be provided as they become available. We thank the emergency services, first responders, and all agencies involved for their swift action and dedication. For those in the affected area, please adhere to all safety instructions and evacuation orders. Your cooperation and patience during this critical time are greatly appreciated.”

More information will be shared as it becomes available.

# # #

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - April 26, 2024 04/27/2024

Check out this week's edition of Wááshindoon Weekly! Click the link below to read the latest news from our office.

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Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - April 26, 2024 Updates from Wááshindoon and Beyond   Wááshindoon Weekly April 26, 2024 WEEK IN REVIEW Noteworthy headlines you might have missed   Season 3 of 'Stolen' Podcast Investigating Navajo Nation MMIP Cases

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - April 19, 2024 04/19/2024

Click the link below to find out what's been happening in Wááshindoon!

https://conta.cc/49KFSZH

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - April 19, 2024 Updates from Wááshindoon and Beyond   Wááshindoon Weekly April 19, 2024 WEEK IN REVIEW Noteworthy headlines you might have missed   Navajo Homes Receive Accurate Addresses for First Time Indian Countr

04/18/2024

President Nygren of the Navajo Nation calls on Congress to advance RECA amendments for justice and equality. Let's stand together for a more inclusive future.

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - April 15, 2024 04/15/2024

Click the link below to see the latest news from our office

https://conta.cc/4aAgnLJ

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - April 15, 2024 Updates from Wááshindoon and Beyond   Wááshindoon Weekly April 15, 2024   Executive Director's Corner   Yá'át'ééh I am pleased to bring you the latest updates from the Navajo Nation Washington Office

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - April 5, 2024 04/06/2024

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Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - April 5, 2024 Updates from Wááshindoon and Beyond   Wááshindoon Weekly April 5, 2024   Executive Director's Corner   Yá'át'ééh Congress has been in recess the last two weeks, after having finally passed appropriati

Photos from Navajo Nation Washington Office's post 04/02/2024

Yá'át'ééh

As the Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Washington Office, and with the utmost pride as a fellow Marine, I stand in solemn remembrance on this significant day marking the anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa, April 1, 1945.

Seventy-nine years have passed since that fateful day in 1945 when the valiant men of the 1st and 6th Marine Divisions, alongside our Army Soldiers, faced a formidable campaign on the precipice of the Japanese mainland. The strategic seizure of Okinawa was a Herculean task, one that would not have been possible without the indomitable courage of all who fought, and particularly without the unique contributions of the Navajo Marines, whose legacy I carry with great honor.

The Navajo Code Talkers, our own Diné warriors, employed their sacred language to craft an unbreakable code that was instrumental in securing the success of the Pacific campaign. Their linguistic prowess and unwavering commitment to their Marine brothers under the most harrowing conditions were the linchpin in the Allied command's ability to communicate securely and effectively amidst the chaos of war.

As we pay homage to those who endured the Battle of Okinawa, I am humbled by the extraordinary sacrifices made and the pivotal role played by the Navajo Marines. Their service went beyond the call of duty, embodying the core values of the Marine Corps: Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

To all our Navajo veterans and their families, your legacy continues to inspire and guide us. The unassailable spirit and valor of the Navajo Code Talkers shall forever be etched into the annals of Marine Corps history and American freedom.

Today, we pledge to remember and uphold the memories of those who gave their all. We stand united in our gratitude and respect for the Navajo Code Talkers and all who served alongside them. May we continue to honor their contributions by fostering a future of peace, partnership, and mutual respect with all nations.

In remembrance and with deepest respect,

Justin C. Ahasteen, Executive Director
Navajo Nation Washington Office
United States Marine Corps Veteran

Semper Fidelis - Always Faithful

NNWO Internship Update 03/19/2024

Deadline to apply for our 2024 Internship Program is tomorrow! Apply today!!

NNWO Internship Update Deadline Tomorrow! Apply Now for our Summer 2024 Internship!   INTERNSHIP UPDATE Deadline Tomorrow! Apply Now!   Time is running out! Tomorrow marks the final day to submit your application for our Su

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - March 17, 2024 03/18/2024

See some of our updates from last week below:

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - March 17, 2024 Updates from Wááshindoon and Beyond   Wááshindoon Weekly March 17, 2024   Executive Director's Corner   Yá'át'ééh I hope this week has treated all of our readers well. Spring is quickly approaching Wa

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - March 10, 2024 03/11/2024

Find out what's been happening in Wááshindoon!
https://conta.cc/3PeJdJ2

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - March 10, 2024 Updates from Wááshindoon and Beyond   Wááshindoon Weekly March 10, 2024   Executive Director's Corner   Yá'át'ééh A lot happened in Washington this week. First of all, we have some updates on the st

TikTok · ABC News Australia 03/09/2024

Executive Director Ahasteen participated in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation regarding the impact uranium mining has had on the Navajo people and explains why Congress must past RECA.

ABC also discussed how Oppenheimer left out the untold stories of the Navajo people contribution to the Manhattan Project.

Listen here!

TikTok · ABC News Australia 1958 likes, 54 comments. “You’ve seen Oppenheimer, but what you didn't see was that the desert where the bomb was detonated was not deserted. Nor did you see those sent into the uranium mines, without warnings of the dangers. Many affected by the Manhattan Project and the US’s subsequent nucle...

Photos from Navajo Nation Washington Office's post 03/07/2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 7, 2024

U.S. Senate Votes in Favor of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today marks a significant milestone as the United States Senate has voted (69-30) in favor of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act (S.3853), sponsored by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO). This bipartisan effort demonstrates Congress' commitment to addressing the challenges faced by individuals affected by uranium exposure and underscores the importance of supporting those who have endured the consequences of radiation exposure.

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act seeks to extend well-deserved assistance to individuals who have suffered extreme health complications due to exposure to radioactive materials from the development and testing of nuclear weapons.

On hearing of the passage of the bill President Nygren said, "We are so grateful to the Arizona and New Mexico delegation for their unfailing support through this long process. And we are particularly grateful for our friends from Missouri who got this bill to where it is today."

“Securing the six-year extension of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act is a compassionate step towards healing and acknowledgment for former uranium workers and their families. Together, let us advocate and support the extension, by ensuring that every individual affected receives the support and recognition they deserve. The extension fosters compassion, empathy, and a brighter, more equitable future for all and for the Navajo victims whose sacrifices in the uranium mines were pivotal in propelling the United States to victory during the Cold War," said 25th Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Senator Hawley, the primary sponsor of the bill, along with Senators Crapo (R-ID), Heinrich (D-NM), Kelly (D-AZ), Luján (D-NM), and Schmitt (R-MO), for their tireless advocacy and commitment to the well-being of those impacted by radioactive exposure. Their leadership in pushing forward this legislation demonstrates a bipartisan commitment to justice and compassion for affected individuals and their families.

Director Ahasteen noted: "I cannot even begin to express how meaningful this vote was for the Navajo uranium workers who sat in the gallery with me to watch the vote. We were all disappointed that our Utah senators did not support this bill, as thousands of our Navajo people live in Utah, and it is the location of so many of the mines that poisoned our people. We hope our Utah representatives in the House will do better than our senators."

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act now moves to the House of Representatives. The Navajo Nation Washington Office urges members of the House to consider the importance of this legislation. The Navajo Nation will continue to advocate for the bipartisan momentum built in the Senate to ensure Navajo uranium mine workers get the help they deserve.

As the bill moves forward, we remain hopeful that this bipartisan effort will serve as an example of Congress' commitment to addressing the needs of affected communities and providing a path to justice and healing.

# # #

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - March 3, 2024 03/04/2024

Check out some of our updates from last week.
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Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - March 3, 2024 Updates from Wááshindoon and Beyond   Wááshindoon Weekly March 3, 2024   Executive Director's Corner   Yá'át'ééh It was a busy week, as we prepared to host the Government Accountability Office's Tri

Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - February 25, 2024 02/26/2024

Click the link below to see the latest news from our office.

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Wááshindoon Weekly: Legislative News and Updates - February 25, 2024 Updates from Wááshindoon and Beyond   Wááshindoon Weekly February 25, 2024   Executive Director's Corner   Yá'át'ééh This week, we've seen some promising federal actions that could greatly benefit t

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