Russell Begaye: “The answer, then, lies with Congress, which can pass laws that withstand the test of time and presidents.”

The bill stifles the tribal voice in monument management, and the bill eliminates protection for our cultural patrimony.

But, over 90 percent of Utah Navajos support the monument.

For these reasons, we strongly advocate that the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act be reauthorized at the proposed $13 million levels for each fiscal years 2019 through 2023.

H.R. 4532 retains the same failing as the Trump proclamation: it does not protect the Bears Ears landscape in a way that is meaningful and lasting.