Navajo lawmakers tell Congress police funding has not moved since 1997

The Law and Order Committee has pressed federal lawmakers on police funding, scholarships and food assistance during a recent trip to Washington, according to the Office of the Speaker.

Chairwoman Eugenia Charles-Newton, Vice Chair Nathan Notah and Delegate Arbin Mitchell met with Sen. Mark Kelly, congressional staff, members of the New Mexico delegation and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Majority.

The chairwoman emphasized the need to reassess federal base funding for law enforcement programs under the BIA. That base funding was established in 1997 and implemented in 1999, and does not account for inflation, increased operating costs or the Nation's current public safety needs. Federal officials recommended that the committee work with the Congressional Research Service and Interior appropriations staff to explore options for updating the funding structure.

The committee also raised concerns about law enforcement recruitment and retention. Approximately 149 patrol officers serve communities across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, while limited funding continues to affect salaries, overtime, equipment, detention services, and the Nation's ability to compete for qualified personnel.

The vice chair said: "We will continue advocating for advance appropriations and forward funding for Tribal public safety and public service programs, which would provide greater stability and predictability in funding." He said the committee also requested assistance in tracking down the historical funding levels identified in a 1997 base-funding report.

The delegate advocated for advance appropriations for Bureau of Indian Education scholarship programs, noting that continuing resolutions and delays in federal appropriations can postpone scholarship payments and create uncertainty for Navajo students who depend on those funds for tuition and other educational expenses.

On food security, committee members raised concerns about federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that could make it more difficult for eligible families to receive assistance. The chairwoman emphasized that many Navajo residents travel long distances for employment, groceries and other essential services, while high fuel costs place additional strain on household budgets.

The delegates also advocated for Public Law 93-638 contracts and for maintaining 105(L) lease funding, which supports the use, operation, and maintenance of tribal facilities used to carry out federal programs, including public safety services. They opposed prediction markets, which the committee described as a threat to tribal sovereignty.