Tribes say persistent efforts pay off in stimulus inclusion

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Tribal representatives say that their persistent efforts to be included in a massive stimulus bill to respond to the new coronavirus have paid off.

Tribes have been lobbying Congress to help address shortfalls in an already underfunded health care system that serves Native Americans. They secured $10 billion in the bill that the President signed on Friday. Most of it is set aside as a relief fund that will be distributed based on need. More than $1 billion will go to the federal agency that provides primary health care for more than 2 million Native Americans.

The Navajo Nation in the U.S. Southwest has been hardest hit by the virus with more than 90 confirmed cases.