Navajo Nation extends limited waiver for HUD housing funds

The Naabik’íyáti’ Committee approved Legislation No. 0178-25 on Aug. 21, extending a limited waiver of the Navajo Nation’s sovereign immunity through Sept. 30, 2029, according to Native News Online. The measure allows the Nation to be sued only in federal district court for issues related to the National Environmental Policy Act, a requirement by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for releasing housing grants.

The waiver, first adopted in 2000 and reaffirmed in later Council actions, authorizes the Navajo Nation president to sign HUD Form 7015.15. It passed on the consent agenda with a 15-2 vote. The Navajo Housing Authority supported the measure, which it said is essential to building and rehabilitating homes. “It’s not a surrender of our sovereignty — it’s an exercise of it,” Council Delegate Jesus said.