WASHINGTON – During an Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) pressed Trump administration nominees on issues affecting Arizona’s public lands and water, including funding freezes that threaten drought relief, tribal water rights settlements, and protections for the Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument.
Watch Senator Gallego’s questioning HERE.
Gallego began his questioning by highlighting the urgent need for drought relief in the Colorado River Basin and asked a nominee to commit to releasing all previously appropriated drought funds.
“One of the most pressing issues for my state is drought funding. We continue to see challenges with funding freezes at the Bureau of Reclamation,” said Senator Gallego. “Reclamation has halted critical funding that has been approved to keep the Colorado River basin system functioning. I’m concerned that these funds are being held, and I have heard reports the department plans to hold full funding until a seven-state agreement is reached.”
Senator Gallego emphasized that such a move would punish Lower Basin states that urgently need investment and water.
He also asked about the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, the largest proposed tribal water rights settlement in U.S. history. The legislation would secure water access and infrastructure funding for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.
“Without a settlement, other water users in the Colorado River Basin face uncertainty regarding Colorado River water rights,” said Senator Gallego. “This is particularly important because Navajo Nation is one of the largest single outstanding claims in the Colorado River. Approximately one third of Navajo homes still do not have running water to this date. This settlement will bring certainty to the basin and ensure tribes can thrive on their homeland.”
Finally, Gallego asked a nominee to commit to protecting Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni, the Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. Despite the monument’s cultural and economic importance, and strong public support, recent reports suggest the Trump administration is considering rolling back its protections.
“The Grand Canyon is not only a national wonder of the world, it is sacred for many tribes, and it is an enormous economic driver for Northern Arizona. It is the second most visited national park in the country,” said Senator Gallego. “In recent weeks, reports have circulated that the administration will shrink the boundaries in a number of monuments, including the Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument.”
Senator Gallego asked the nominee whether she would support these rollbacks, but the nominee was uniformed about the Department’s plans.
4/30/25