It’s difficult to celebrate.

We look forward to reestablishing and protecting some of the services that your department provides.

When we started hearing about the layoffs and the freezes, you were the first one to stand up for Indian Country.

I want to assure the Navajo people that we remain in close communication with federal officials to ensure the legacy of our cherished Navajo Code Talkers is never erased from American and Navajo history.

I also ask that you approve mandatory funding for these programs to provide the stability needed to ensure the continuation of crucial services.

Automatic budget cuts disproportionately affects Indian Country, endangering vital services such as healthcare, public safety, and education.

The chronic underfunding of these programs shows a failure of the Federal Government's trust obligations to tribes.

By investing in the health, education, infrastructure, and economic development of tribal communities, we honor our nation-to-Nation relationships to advance justice and equity for all of Indian Country.

Telehealth services, which is beneficial, are not a cure all for our veterans.

The distances present a formidable obstacle often requiring veterans to travel many, many hours at great personal expense across remote areas just to receive basic services.

I urge the committee and Congress to take a decisive action to address these critical issues facing our Navajo veterans.