Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council voted unanimously on Jan. 27 to override the Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren’s veto of Resolution CO-52-25. The resolution amends Title 2 of the Navajo Nation Code to formally codify language to allow virtual attendance for Council Standing Committee members. Council Delegates are still required to attend all Council sessions in-person.
Legislation No. 0008-26, sponsored by Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty, expands the existing attendance policy governing the Navajo Nation Council’s standing committees to include virtual participation. The measure cites the continuity of the Council’s operations amid Nygren’s line-item vetoes that eliminated large amounts of operational funding for the Legislative Branch, limiting resources for many staff members.
“Despite the challenges created by the President’s vetoes, it is critical that the Council continues to fulfill its responsibilities to the Navajo people,” Crotty said. “This legislation ensures that Delegates can fully participate in legislative actions that affect our people and communities.”
The override codifies virtual attendance practices similar to those implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Under the law, Council Delegates may conduct Standing Committee meetings through teleconferencing and video conferencing platforms. According to Crotty, the measure ensures the Council can “continue the essential work of the People’s House without interruption.”
“Virtual attendance allows participants who are spread across different locations to remain actively engaged and supports continued progress for Standing Committees,” Crotty said. “It has also enabled members of the Council’s New Mexico State Task Force to participate directly in meetings with state legislators.”
The 25th Navajo Nation Council unanimously approved Legislation No. 0008-26 on the consent agenda with a vote of 21 in favor and none opposed. The measure required at least two-thirds approval, or 16 supporting votes. The Council serves as the final authority on the legislation.
