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Navajo Fluency Requirement Remains Unchanged

A bid to resurrect a bill that would let Navajos decide which political candidates are fluent in the tribe's language has failed.

Navajo President Ben Shelly vetoed the bill last month, saying it would benefit one presidential candidate who was disqualified for failing to show he could speak fluent Navajo.

Navajo lawmakers took up a measure to override the veto Thursday during a special session in Window Rock. It failed to get enough votes to pass.

Lawmakers approved another bill to stiffen penalties for crimes on the reservation.

They sent a bill supporting a land divide between the Navajo and Zuni tribes back to a council committee.

Still left on the agenda are proposals to impose a junk food tax, and address term limits for the tribal president and lawmakers.

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