Navajo Council delegates can serve two governments

The council voted 51-to-15 yesterday against a bill that would prohibit delegates from serving two governments.

The bill would have extended a law that bars delegates from simultaneously holding elected or paid positions in federal or state governments.

Supporters of the bill say it would have enforced loyalty to the Navajo Nation government.

Delegate Leonard Tsosie had urged tribal lawmakers to vote down the measure, saying delegates should be represented in off-reservation roles.

Tsosie was forced to resign from the New Mexico Legislature after he was elected to the Tribal Council.