Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council voted to override President Buu Nygren’s veto of Resolution CAP-31-26 July 20, reaffirming that the Office of Management and Budget remains accountable to the Navajo Nation Council’s fiscal policies and legislative intent while continuing to operate within the Executive Branch.
The override affirms that the legislation preserves the separation of powers by maintaining executive administration of programs while strengthening legislative oversight of budget implementation.
The measure is intended to protect the Navajo Nation’s budget process and ensure public funds are managed in accordance with laws and appropriations approved by the Navajo Nation Council.
Council Delegate Shaandiin Parrish, the legislation’s sponsor, stressed that leaders have a duty to provide transparency, accountability, and clear fiscal guidance for the Navajo people. The legislation enhances that duty without shifting executive power and keeps the Office of Management and Budget responsive to legislative priorities established through the Nation’s lawmaking process.
The legislation amends 2 N.N.C. § 1201 to clarify that the Director of the Office of Management and Budget serves under the general guidance of the Navajo Nation Council while continuing to report directly to the President on operational and executive matters.
The amendment doesn’t authorize the Legislative Branch to administer executive programs or supervise executive employees. Instead, it provides policy guidance regarding appropriations, fiscal priorities, and implementation of laws enacted by the Navajo Nation Council.
In its findings, the Council determined that effective fiscal accountability requires OMB to remain responsive to the legislative body responsible for appropriating funds and establishing budget policy. The legislation states that allowing OMB to operate solely under executive direction could weaken legislative intent, reduce fiscal oversight, and limit the Council’s ability to ensure appropriated funds are spent in accordance with Navajo Nation law.
The Council also concluded that the President’s veto incorrectly characterized the legislation as an encroachment on executive authority, emphasizing that the amendment preserves executive administration while reinforcing accountability and transparency in the implementation of the Nation’s budget.
The 25th Navajo Nation Council overrode the President’s veto through Legislation No. 0129-26, on the consent agenda by a vote of 19 in favor and none opposed. The Navajo Nation Council serves as the final authority on the measure.
