Senators press nominee on Navajo Gallup water project funding and water settlements
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Summary
Senators asked nominee William H. 'Billy' Kirkland about water settlements, including the Navajo Gallup Water Project and the need for FY2026 funding to avoid the first failed Indian water settlement in U.S. history, citing figures for residents waiting for delivery and explicit budget shortfalls.
Sen. Ben Luján and other members questioned William H. “Billy” Kirkland about water settlements and the Navajo Gallup Water Project during the confirmation hearing.
Sen. Luján (as recorded in committee questioning) told Kirkland he had figures at hand and said 250,000 Navajo residents were waiting for water delivered by the Navajo Gallup Water Project. He also asked whether Kirkland understood the scale of funding needed to keep the project on track for FY2026; the senator cited a figure of $175,000,000. In the hearing Luján said the president’s budget had provided $0 for the project and warned that a failure to fund the project could make it “the first Indian water [rights] settlement to fail in America's history.”
Kirkland said he did not have the project figures at hand but reiterated that he would work with senators, tribal leaders and the department to prioritize funds and comply with treaty obligations. He told the committee he would “look forward to working with you and your staff on your water settlement issues.”
Senators emphasized that settlements that have bipartisan legislative and local support should be advanced with clarity about funding commitments and timelines so tribes and other water users can plan.
The committee recorded the exchange for follow-up; Kirkland pledged to coordinate with Congress and tribal leaders if confirmed.