WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Speaker’s Report was accepted with unanimous approval by the 25th Navajo Nation Council during the 2024 Fall Session on Oct. 21, addressing key issues and initiatives.
Speaker Crystalyne Curley highlighted the Council’s unanimous passage of the six-month Fiscal Year 2025 Continuing Resolution, aimed at maintaining direct services and operations after the fiscal year ended on Sept. 30. She expressed concern over line-item vetoes issued by President Buu Nygren, which cut critical funding for legislative staff, prompting discussions about potential overreach in veto authority.
Additionally, Curley announced the appointment of Michelle Espino, ESQ., as the new Acting Chief Legislative Counsel, pending Council confirmation.
The Speaker’s report mentioned the Council’s advancing of Legislation No. 0135-24, which would allocate over $148 million to senior centers across the Navajo Nation for renovations and essential upgrades, seeking the President’s support for this initiative.
Curley also reaffirmed the commitment to advancing the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement and the Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Agreement in Congress, aiming to secure water resources for Arizona and New Mexico communities.
In late September, Curley joined former uranium miners to urge U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to expedite the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act extension, highlighting the urgency due to expired compensation for those affected by uranium mining.
“We are in an uphill battle with congress in getting RECA reauthorized,” Curley said. “It hits close to home as uranium mining has dramatically impacted families across the Navajo Nation, including my grandfather.”
Regarding uranium transportation on the Navajo Nation, the Council recently approved emergency legislation to strengthen the Radioactive Materials Transportation Act, enhancing regulatory authority over uranium transport to protect community health and sovereignty.
Lastly, Curley commended the Law and Order Committee for recommending the permanent appointments of Judges Victor Clyde, Malcolm Laughing, and Letitia Stover, following a thorough review of their performance.
In response to the Legislative Branch Department’s Fourth Quarterly Reports included in the Speaker’s Report, Budget and Finance Vice-Chair Carl R. Slater pushed for further enhancement of the responsibilities of the Navajo Nation Election Administration so that information shared with state entities remains consistent.
Resources and Development Chair Brenda Jesus questioned the process and timeframe of the Navajo Government Reform Project undertaken by the Office of Navajo Government Development. In response, Speaker Curley called for a Naabik’íyáti’ Committee work session on the Government Reform Project with ONGD.
“On behalf of the 25th Navajo Nation Council, I extend our gratitude to the Diné people for their participation in the 2024 Fall Council Session,” Curley said. “We are dedicated to serving the Navajo Nation and enhancing the quality of life for our people. Your support and prayers are invaluable as we move forward together.”
The 25th Navajo Nation Council voted with 18 in favor and none opposed in accepting the Speaker’s report.
Visit the Navajo Nation Council’s Committee page to read the 2024 Fall Session Speaker’s Report in its entirety at: www.navajonationcouncil.org/committees.
Staff Reports
