[Senate Hearing 119-151]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
S. Hrg. 119-151
NOMINATION OF WILLIAM ``BILLY'' KIRKLAND TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR
INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
=======================================================================
HEARING
before the
COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
__________
JULY 17, 2025
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on Indian Affairs
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
61-531 PDF WASHINGTON : 2025
COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS
LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska, Chairman
BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii, Vice Chairman
JOHN HOEVEN, North Dakota MARIA CANTWELL, Washington
STEVE DAINES, Montana CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, Nevada
MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma TINA SMITH, Minnesota
MIKE ROUNDS, South Dakota BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico
JERRY MORAN, Kansas
Amber Ebarb, Majority Staff Jennifer Romero, Minority Staff
Director Director and Chief Counsel
Lucy Murfitt, Chief Counsel Alanna Purdy, Policy Advisor
Lenna Aoki, General Counsel
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Hearing held on July 17, 2025.................................... 1
Statement of Senator Cantwell.................................... 33
Statement of Senator Cortez Masto................................ 29
Statement of Senator Daines...................................... 22
Statement of Senator Lujan....................................... 24
Statement of Senator Mullin...................................... 31
Statement of Senator Murkowski................................... 1
Statement of Senator Schatz...................................... 18
Witnesses
Jack, Hon. Brian, U.S. Representative from Georgia............... 3
Kirkland, William ``Billy'', Nominee for the Position of
Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the
Interior....................................................... 5
Prepared statement........................................... 8
Appendix
Jackson, Hon. Ryan, Acting Chairman, Hoopa Valley Tribe, prepared
statement...................................................... 41
Letters submitted for the record................................. 42-64
Response to written questions submitted to William ``Billy''
Kirkland by:
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 78
Hon. Ben Ray Lujan........................................... 81
Hon. Mike Rounds............................................. 64
Hon. Brian Schatz............................................ 65
Hon. Tina Smith.............................................. 81
NOMINATION OF WILLIAM ``BILLY'' KIRKLAND TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR
INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
----------
THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025
U.S. Senate,
Committee on Indian Affairs,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 2:50 p.m. in room
628, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Lisa Murkowski,
Chairman of the Committee, presiding.
OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. LISA MURKOWSKI,
U.S. SENATOR FROM ALASKA
The Chairman. Good afternoon. I will call this nomination
hearing to order.
It should be noted that my Vice Chair is not here yet. We
are in the midst of a series of five votes that have just
kicked off. So we have already had to reschedule this
nomination hearing for Mr. Kirkland once. We don't want to do
that. This is an important position that we would like to be
able to advance through our process.
So as members kind of hop in and hop out, we appreciate
your indulgence, and please take that as no sign of disrespect
or disinterest in the nominee and the position.
I want to welcome you, Mr. Kirkland. Thank you for your
willingness to serve. Congratulations on your nomination. I
appreciate the visit that we had a couple of weeks ago. I look
forward to continuing conversation and dialogue today and then
beyond.
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs is an important
position at the Interior Department. Your job, if confirmed,
will be to assist and support Secretary Burgum in fulfilling
the United States' trust responsibility to the federally-
recognized American Indians and Alaska Native tribes and
individual Indian Trust beneficiaries across the Country.
This trust responsibility is the cornerstone of Federal
Indian law and policy. It is the legal and moral basis for
upholding tribal sovereignty and rights of self-governance of
tribes. The trust management of over 55 million acres of Indian
trust lands and the provision of basic social, financial and
educational services for Native people, through three bureaus,
Indian Affairs, Indian Education, and the Trust Fund's
administration that you will lead.
So let that sink in for a minute. You probably have, and
for all the people who are gathered here in this room who are
here to support you, this is a big deal. The gravity of this
responsibility is a big deal. You will be called upon to
understand the challenges that American Indians and Alaska
Natives face in our Country, and to work to provide solutions.
Your decision on matters for your office, whether approval
of a land into trust application, Federal recognition of a
tribe, a go-ahead on an energy development project or gaming
operation, or the building of critical infrastructure such as
housing, water or roads, they will matter. They will matter to
the lives of Native people.
There are treaties, very unique laws to navigate, not to
mention ongoing debates about education, economic empowerment,
public safety and tribal jurisdiction. There are over 500
federally-recognized tribe to serve, with more than 200 of
those in my home State of Alaska, all with different histories
and cultures. The cliche that one size fits all does not
reflect or fit Indian Country. I think we recognize that.
The job of Assistant Secretary is not an easy one. Right
now, the department and the bureaus you would oversee are in a
major flux. The workforce has been drastically reduced, nearly
20 percent according to the numbers that we have from the
department. And the recent budget proposal for Indian Affairs
programs is unserious, at best. I think we have to do better.
When we talked in my office, you described yourself as a
strong conduit between Native people and their needs and the
White House and the rest of the administration. I look forward
to hearing more about how you can be a strong advocate for all
Native peoples and how you will make their lives better.
We have a lot of issues to work on, but I just want to
highlight a few here. First, and this was one that we had
discussion about, but it is the probate backlog. Seven years.
Seven years is absolutely too long to wait when a family risks
losing their home simply because of the death of a parent or a
grandparent.
We also have to speed up the relocation of Native villages
that have been threatened by a changing climate. In Alaska, we
have whole communities, I talk a lot about Newtok, some of the
staff visited the river community of Huslia. They are literally
falling into rivers, as Huslia is, or the ocean, as Newtok is.
The survival of these villages depends on continuing and
building on Federal assistance.
There are more than 1,000 contaminated sites on Native-
owned lands that the Federal Government is legally responsible
for cleaning up in Alaska. We need to eliminate this public
health threat and be able to redevelop these lands where it
makes sense.
Of course, it goes without saying that we must continue to
protect our most vulnerable populations, women and children,
through the implementation of VAWA 2022, increased law
enforcement, support for tribal courts, the Tiwahe Initiative,
and reducing cases of MMIW.
And of course, these are not just Alaska issues. These are
issued faced by Native communities across the Country.
So, Mr. Kirkland, I am looking forward to hearing more
about your vision at the Office of Assistant Secretary for
Indian Affairs this afternoon. I expect Committee members are
going to have additional questions for you after today's
hearing. We would look forward to your responses to those as
well.
Again, thank you for being here. Congratulations to you.
What we will do is we will hold for Senator Schatz' comments
when he comes.
But at this time, I would turn to Representative Brian Jack
to introduce Mr. Kirkland. Representative, thank you for coming
over to the Senate this afternoon. I know that you have
probably had to rearrange your day around this Committee's
schedule. So I appreciate your nimble abilities as well.
If you would proceed with your introduction, and welcome.
HON. BRIAN JACK, U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM GEORGIA
Mr. Jack. Thank you, Chairwoman Murkowski, and thank you to
yourself, Vice Chairman Schatz, and Senators Hoeven, Daines,
Mullin, Rounds, Moran, Cantwell, Cortez Masto, Smith, and
Lujan, for your service on the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Thank you for providing me with the honor of introducing Mr.
William ``Billy'' Kirkland, III, at today's hearing.
I acknowledge that I am a member of what some consider to
be the inferior chamber of Congress, so I respectfully ask that
you do not hold that against my best friend, Mr. Kirkland.
Billy Kirkland has many wonderful attributes, but there are
three defining qualities that will make him an exceptional
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. He is selfless, he is
loyal, and he is effective.
Billy routinely sacrifices his time and resources for
anyone in need. Many of his family and friends are in the
audience and watching at home. Each of us has a story about how
Billy always puts us, others before himself.
This was especially felt by our Country's Native American
tribes during his service in the administration. During our
time working together in President Trump's first term, Billy
routinely devoted his early mornings, his entire day and his
late evenings to providing our Country's tribal leaders with
meaningful moments and impactful interactions at the White
House. As Special Assistant to President Trump for
Intergovernmental Affairs, Billy was responsible for managing
the White House's engagement with tribal governments.
And through his leadership, Billy organized one of the most
inspirational events of President Trump's first term, the
ceremony honoring Code Talkers from the Navajo Nation, Billy's
own tribe, in the Oval Office.
During his time in the Trump administration, Billy's
relentless focus was to implement President Trump's efforts to
improve the quality of life for Native Americans across all 50
States. In that endeavor, he worked closely with Congress. He
worked with you and your colleagues to enact the Ashlynne Mike
Amber Alert in Indian Country Act, which protects Native
Americans. He worked with your colleagues and yourself,
Chairwoman Murkowski, to enact Savanna's Act, which addresses
the scourge of missing or murdered Native American women and
men. And he worked with your colleagues and yourself, Senator
Cortez Masto, to enact the Not Invisible Act of 2019, which
combats violent crime within tribal lands.
He also worked across President Trump's administration to
identify opportunity zones to increase employment opportunities
and access to capital for our Native American communities.
Throughout each and every one of these efforts, there was
one constant: you never saw Billy Kirkland's name in the press.
He felt then as he does today that the only credit that matters
is facilitating better lives for the millions of Americans
whose ancestors inhabited this land thousands of years before
many of our own.
To this day, I have never seen Billy Kirkland meet a
stranger, whether he is sitting with a tribal elder or chatting
with a staffer in the hallway. He treats everyone with the same
respect and the same decency.
Billy makes people feel seen and valued. That is something
we all know you cannot teach. People trust him because he is
genuine and because he is kind.
More than anything, Billy is a family man. His wife, Paige,
and their three wonderful children are his foundation. And
Billy carries that identity into everything he does and his
perspective is grounded in what matters most, and informs how
he will lead the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs, as
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.
Effectiveness is an attribute all of us demand from our
elected and appointed officials. And in Billy, we have someone
who has the ability to enter office with immediate respect from
decision makers across President Trump's administration. His
voice and the credibility attached to it will ensure the needs
of Indian Country are swiftly addressed and solved.
I close recognizing the powerful symbolism with Billy's
nomination. Nearly 200 years ago, our government enacted
legislation that led to the displacement of tens of thousands
of Native Americans. Native Americans in Georgia and many other
States were forcibly removed from their ancestral homelands.
Yet today, 200 years later, the first Native American from
Georgia has been appointed and awaits confirmation to lead this
distinguished office. Additionally, never before has a member
of the Navajo Nation, whose members bravely helped us win World
War II, been appointed to lead this important post.
As such, this distinguished panel has an opportunity to
make history today by advancing Mr. William ``Billy'' Kirkland
III's nomination to serve as the next United States Assistant
Secretary for Indian Affairs.
I thank you for your time, your consideration, and the
opportunity to support my best friend. Thank you.
Senator Murkowski. Thank you, Representative Jack. We
appreciate those comments and we send our good wishes to the
other chamber. Thank you so much.
We will now swear you in, Mr. Kirkland, before you testify
before the Committee. If you will rise, please.
The rules of the Committee which apply to all nominees
require that they be sworn in connection with their testimony.
Please raise your right hand.
Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you are about to
give to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs shall be the
truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
Mr. Kirkland. Yes, I do.
Senator Murkowski. Before you begin your statement, I will
ask you three questions that are asked to each nominee that
comes before the Committee.
Will you be available to appear before this Committee and
other Congressional committees to represent departmental
positions and respond to issues of concern to the Congress?
Mr. Kirkland. Yes.
Senator Murkowski. Are you aware of any personal holdings,
investments, or interests that could constitute a conflict or
create an appearance of such a conflict should you be confirmed
and assume the office to which you have been nominated by the
President?
Mr. Kirkland. No.
Senator Murkowski. Are you involved, or do you have any
assets held in blind trusts?
Mr. Kirkland. No.
Senator Murkowski. Mr. Kirkland, thank you.
You may proceed with your testimony. If you would like to
introduce your family, I think I have a suspicion that there
are a few of them behind you today. We welcome them to the
Committee. Extraordinarily well-behaved, I might add.
We are going to try not to make this too boring for you
while you are sitting there supporting your dad. We know that
our nominees all have hard jobs, and the families that stand
behind them to allow them to serve are very important, and also
due respect.
With that, Mr. Kirkland, the floor is yours.
STATEMENT OF WILLIAM ``BILLY'' KIRKLAND, NOMINEE FOR THE
POSITION OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY, INDIAN AFFAIRS, U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Mr. Kirkland. Thank you very much, Senator. I would like to
thank you first of all for the time I got to spend with you and
your staff. Also while not here, I would like to thank Vice
Chairman Schatz. I know he will be here soon and I can thank
him in person as well.
I know that your staffs put a lot of time in to make sure
the important work of this Committee is done and executed. So I
thank them as well. I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to
meet with most of you and your staff. And over the past few
weeks, it was both a humbling and exciting experience.
I would like to thank Congressman Brian Jack, who we
quickly sent to the lesser house, the lower house. Maybe he can
refine his chamber a little bit after spending some time with
you fine ladies and members. I would like to thank Brian Jack
for his friendship and his introduction.
You mentioned my mother and father being here. I would like
to thank my mother, Gloria, and my father, Major Bill Kirkland.
I will come clean, today is his birthday, and we have a huge
surprise party back home that we are going to have to postpone.
[Laughter.]
Mr. Kirkland. And maybe actually now that this happened, we
can plan it as well.
My sister is also in attendance. Most importantly, I would
like to thank my wife, Paige, for being here with our three
children. I would introduce them, but I think you might
actually hear from them, depending on how long this Committee
hearing lasts, Will, Carter and L.
[Laughter.]
Mr. Kirkland. I would also like to thank all the tribal
leaders that were here in support of my nomination that I got
to meet with. I met with 50-plus yesterday. We had a great
reception at the Capitol Hill Club.
I would like to specifically point out Speaker Curley from
the Navajo Nation who is here. President Nygren was here
yesterday from the Navajo Nation. He had to get back to Navajo.
But he was supportive as well. I really appreciate their
support; it means a lot.
It is an honor to be here today as President Donald Trump's
nominee to serve Indian Country as Assistant Secretary for
Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior. I was given
advice, and I have looked back and watched many of these
hearings. It seems pretty typical that when a Native American
addresses this Committee they typically introduce themselves in
their Native tongue.
Unfortunately, I am no master of linguistics. If you ask my
high school English or Spanish teachers, or college for that
matter, they would probably tell you it wasn't a gift of mine.
My aunties also gave up years ago on me ever mastering the
Navajo language. I am sure they hope that I could at least
introduce myself, and give my clans here today. If I did that,
I might take up the majority of your time and you might miss
your remaining votes on the Floor.
So I am going to simply say Ya'at'eeh, y'all. That is
Southern Navajo for hello.
[Laughter.]
Mr. Kirkland. My name is Billy Kirkland. I am a proud
member of the Navajo Nation. I was born just north of the Four
Sacred Mountains. I am the son of a Dine mother and a father
who served over 20 years in the U.S. Army.
My mother's story is all too common in Indian Country. She
was taken from her ancestral homelands during a period known as
the Termination Era. She taught me strength and perseverance,
traits that define the Native communities, especially the
Navajo.
My father, through his military career, taught me
commitment and sacrifice and the desire to serve. Growing up, I
was given unique perspectives and experiences due to my
father's career. I relocated over 15 times before graduating
high school, from one coast to the other, even overseas.
Starting over in new environments with different
circumstances became second nature, but I learned no matter
where in the world my father's job took my family that I was
Dine. My mother taught me this. She taught me about Kit Carson
and the Long Walk. She taught me about heroic leaders like
Manuelito and the legacy they wanted to leave our people.
She helped develop a deep respect for my heritage that has
been passed down through my clan relationships. I spent many
summer days in LeChee, chasing sheep and hauling water to my
Grandma Susie's sheep camp, because like on many reservations
even today, water is scarce, and electricity is still just a
dream.
It is where I learned first-hand the infrastructure
struggles that are far too common still today in Indian
Country. I was able to develop an undeniable connection with
the land and the people.
But my family has also experienced the darker realities of
reservation life, whether it be alcoholism, depression, or lack
of opportunity. I have seen first-hand the lack of opportunity,
specifically economic opportunity on my own reservation. When
the Navajo Generating Station was shut down in northern
Arizona, it devastated jobs in an already struggling community.
I know we can and must do better.
I believe there is a way to bring meaningful opportunity to
Indian Country through balance, while honoring and preserving
our Native heritage and traditional ways. If confirmed, I
understand that the mission of Indian Affairs at the Department
of the Interior is to uphold a meaningful government-to-
government relationship with federally recognized tribes,
Alaska Natives and ANCs; to enact policies that support self-
determination and tribal sovereignty; and to steward trust
assets while maintaining the Federal trust responsibilities
that aim to support the social, cultural, and economic self-
sufficiency of tribal communities across Indian Country.
While the Office of Indian Affairs has no official
oversight, we will be advocates for our Native Hawaiian
brothers and sisters. We will work to ensure that their legal
and moral obligations are carried out on their behalf.
If confirmed, I will work with this Committee to uphold the
Federal trust responsibilities. More importantly, I will work
in partnership with tribal governments, tribal leaders, Alaska
Natives and ANCs. I believe they know best what their people
need, and know how to meet those needs better than any Federal
agency or bureaucrat in Washington, D.C.
During my time in the White House, I was proud to work
closely with the Department of the Interior and the Office of
Indian Affairs on a range of issues. Our administration was the
first to formally recognize the crisis of Missing and Murdered
Indigenous Women. President Trump established Operation Lady
Justice and later signed into law Senate Bill 227, Savanna's
Act, and Senate Bill 982, the Not Invisible Act. I would like
to thank the members of the Committee, who I know put a lot of
time and work and effort into those bills.
I was privileged to be part of the first administration to
recognize and honor and host Native Code Talkers in the Oval
Office. We worked to ensure that over 350 Opportunity Zones
were included in Native American lands. We formalized the DOI's
Opioid Task Force within the Office of Justice Services and
authorized the Ashlynne Mike AMBER Alert in Indian Country.
We worked to ensure Indian Country was fully funded in the
CARES Act. These were all meaningful accomplishments. But much
work remains to be done. My prior experience in the White
House, in business, and in government relations has given me
unique tools and relationships to help serve all of Indian
Country, Alaska Native, ANCs and Native Hawaiians. I know that
collaboration and meaningful consultation with tribal leaders
must be a top priority.
I will also lean on this Committee's expertise and
experience. I have reached out to seek advice from tribal
leaders and past Assistant Secretaries like Assistant Secretary
Sweeney and Assistant Secretary Larry Echohawk. If confirmed I
will continue to do so. I will continue to rely on the
knowledge of tribal leaders and this Committee in order to gain
their input to most effectively fulfill the duties of the
office of Assistant Secretary.
As this Committee knows, Indian Country is not homogenous.
One size does not fit all. Each tribe is distinct. Each has its
own identity, history, and needs.
If confirmed, my goal would be able to meet those needs and
further advance the self-governance and self-determination they
so desire. If confirmed, we will honor the diversity of Indian
Country by ensuring our policies are responsive, respectful,
and rooted in partnership and meet our trust responsibilities.
I am happy to accept any questions and appreciate your
having me here today.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Kirkland follows:]
Prepared Statement of William ``Billy'' Kirkland, Nominee for the
Position of Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the
Interior
Thank you, Chairwoman Murkowski, Vice Chairman Schatz, and members
of the Committee. I would also like to take a moment to thank your
staff for their time and effort. I know the long hours they routinely
put in to ensure the important work of this Committee is carried out
effectively. I've greatly appreciated the opportunity to meet with many
of you and your teams over the past few weeks. It has been both an
exciting and humbling experience.
I want to thank Congressman Brian Jack for his introduction--and
more importantly, for his friendship. I also want to thank my mother,
Gloria, and my father, Major Bill Kirkland, for being here today in
support of my nomination. My brother and sister are also in attendance;
growing up, they made sure I wasn't the only Navajo in our school
systems. And most importantly, I'd like to thank my wife, Paige, for
being here with our three children--Will, Carter, and L.
It is an honor to be here today as President Donald Trump's nominee
to serve Indian Country as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs
at the Department of the Interior.
It seems typical when a Native American addresses this
distinguished Committee to begin with an introduction in their native
language. Unfortunately, linguistics is not one of my strengths. My
aunties gave up years ago on the idea of me mastering the Navajo
language, though I know they still held hope that I could at least
introduce myself properly and share my clans here with y'all today. The
sad truth is that if I attempted to do so, I'd likely use up all the
time allotted for this hearing. So instead, I'll simply say:
`Ya'at'eeh, y'all.'' For those wondering, that's Southern Navajo for
hello.''
My name is Billy Kirkland. I'm a proud member of the Navajo Nation,
I am Biih Bitoodnii. I was born just north of the Four Sacred
Mountains. I am the son of a Dine mother and a father who served our
nation in the U.S. Army for over 20 years. My mother's story is one
that was all too common in Indian Country. She was taken from her
ancestral homeland and family, during a period that is now known as the
``Termination Era.'' She taught me strength and perseverance--traits
that define Native communities, especially among the Navajo. My father,
through his military career, taught me commitment and sacrifice.
Growing up, I was given unique perspectives and experiences due to
my father's career. I relocated over 15 times before graduating high
school. From one coast to the other and even overseas. Starting over in
new environments with different circumstances became second nature, but
I learned no matter where in the world my father's job took my family
that I was Dine. My mom taught me this. She taught me about Kit Carson
and the Long Walk. About the heroic leadership of Manuelito and his
prophetic foresight with this famous quote ``My grandchildren,
education is a ladder. Tell our people to take it.'' She helped develop
a deep respect for my heritage, that is passed down through my clan
relationships. I spent many summer days in LeChee, chasing sheep and
hauling water to my Grandma Susie's sheep camp--because like on many
reservations even today, water is scarce, and electricity was just a
dream. It is where I learned first-hand the infrastructure struggles
that are far too common still today in Indian Country. I developed an
undeniable connection with the land and the people. But my family has
also experienced the darker realities of reservation life--alcoholism,
drug abuse, depression, and lack of opportunity. I've seen firsthand
the lack of economic opportunity in Indian Country. When the Navajo
Generating Station shut down in northern AZ, it devastated jobs in an
already struggling community. I know we can--and must--do better.
The Navajo believe in Hozho--or balance. I believe there is a way
to bring meaningful opportunities to Indian Country while still
honoring and preserving our Native heritage and traditional ways. If
confirmed, I understand that the mission of Indian Affairs at the
Department of the Interior is to uphold meaningful government-to-
government relationships with federally recognized tribes, Alaska
Natives and ANCs; to enact policies that support self-determination and
tribal sovereignty; and to steward trust assets while maintaining the
federal trust responsibilities that aim to support the social,
cultural, and economic self-sufficiency of tribal communities across
Indian Country. And while the Office of Indian Affairs has no official
oversight role, we will be advocates for our Native Hawaiian brothers
and sisters. We will work to ensure that both the legal and moral
obligations are carried out on their behalf.
If confirmed, I will work with this Committee to uphold the federal
trust responsibility. I will work in partnership with Tribal
Governments, Tribal Leaders, and ANCs to respond directly to the
challenges their communities face. I believe they are best positioned
to identify and implement the solutions their people need--better than
any federal agency or bureaucrat in Washington, D.C.
During my time in the White House, I was proud to work closely with
the Department of the Interior and the Office of Indian Affairs on a
range of issues. Our administration was the first to formally recognize
the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. President Trump
established ``Operation Lady Justice'' and later issued a proclamation,
and later signed into law Senate Bill 227, Savanna's Act, and Senate
Bill 982, the Not Invisible Act.
I was privileged to be part of the first administration to
recognize and honor Native Code Talkers in the Oval Office. We helped
ensure that over 350 Opportunity Zones included Native American lands.
We formalized the DOI Opioid Reduction Task Force within the Office of
Justice Services and implemented the Ashlynne Mike AMBER Alert in
Indian Country Act. We worked to ensure Indian Country was fully
included in the CARES Act, and we worked to streamline and overhaul
permitting processes. These were meaningful accomplishments--but much
work remains to be done.
My prior experience in the White House, in business, and in
government relations has given me the unique tools to serve all Indian
Country, Alaska Native, ANCs and Native Hawaiians. I know that
collaboration and meaningful consultation with tribal leaders must be a
top priority in fulfilling the mission of the Office of Indian Affairs.
I once heard a smart Hawaiian say, ``you have to go slow to go fast.''
If confirmed, I intend to spend my first 90 days listening to tribal
leaders and the Congressional Committees of jurisdiction to understand
top priorities and develop a clear action plan. I will work to build
consensus and move quickly once met. I will lean on the Committees'
experience and expertise. I have reached out to and sought advice and
counsel from past Assistant Secretary Tara Sweeney and Larry Echohawk
and if confirmed I will rely on all Committee members and their input
to most effectively fulfill the duties of the Office of Assistant
Secretary for Indian Affairs.
As this Committee knows, Indian Country is not a homogenous
community, one size does not fit all. Each tribe is distinct--each with
its own identity, history, and needs. My goal will be to meet those
needs and further self-governance. If confirmed my goal will be to
honor the diversity of Indian Country by ensuring our policies are
responsive, respectful, and rooted in partnership and meet our trust
responsibilities.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name: William Henry Kirkland III
2. Position to which nominated: Assistant Secretary--Indian
Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior
3. Date of nomination: 02/3/2025
4. Address: [Information not released to the public.]
5. Date and place of birth: [Information not released to the
public.]
6. Marital status: Happily married
7. Names and ages of children: [Information not released to the
public.]
8. Education:
Eagle's Landing High School, 1996-1998; College Preparatory,
May 1998
University of Georgia, 2003-2009; AB Political Science, May
2009
Additional coursework, no degree received, at the following
institutions: Gordon College, Barnesville, GA (1998-1999), Brigham
Young University, Provo, UT (1999), Clayton State College and
University, Morrow, GA (2002-2003)
9. Employment record:
Delta Airlines (ASA) (Ramp agent & baggage handler) Atlanta, GA
DOE: (May 2002-Sept. 2002)
Henry County School District (Substitute Teacher) McDonough, GA
(Jan. 2002-Jan. 2003)
State of Georgia, Office of Governor Sonny Perdue, (Office of
Intergovernmental Affairs Intern) Atlanta, GA (Jan. 2003-April
2005)
Georgia Republican Party, (Field Representative) Atlanta, GA
(April 2006-Nov. 2006)
State Representative Jimmy Pruett (Legislative Assistant)
Atlanta, GA (Jan 2006-April 2007)
Atlanta Baggage Express (Baggage Deliverer) College Park, GA
(May 2005-April 2007)
Virginia House Republican Caucus (Campaign Manager) Sterling,
VA (April 2007-Nov. 2007)
Center for an Educated Georgia (Outreach Specialist) Norcross,
GA (Jan. 2008-Sept. 2009)
Faith and Freedom Coalition (National Field Director) Duluth,
GA (July 2009-March 2013)
Perdue for Senate (Campaign Manager) Atlanta, GA (March 2013-
Dec. 2014)
PWK Group LLC (Owner/Managing Partner) Atlanta, GA (Dec. 2014-
Jan. 2017)
White House, Executive Office of the President (Special
Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of
Intergovernmental Affairs) (Jan. 2017-July 2018)
White House, Office of the Vice President (Special Assistant to
the President and Director of External Affairs) (July 2018-Aug.
2019)
Sun West Mortgage (Marketing) Cumming, GA (Jan. 2021-June 2021)
PWK Group LLC (Owner/Managing Partner) Norcross, GA (Aug. 2019-
Present)
Wayne Halfway House, Inc. (Consultant) Waynesboro, TN (Sept.
2021-Present)
1O. Government experience: The Commission on Presidential
Scholarships, Commissioner (Presidential Board and Commissions
Appointment)
11. Business relationships:
The list below represents current and former positions held to the
best of my knowledge and recollection.
PWK Group LLC--Managing Partner/Owner (Current)
Braves Holding, LLC (Atlanta Braves)--Consultant (Current)
Burt Jones for Georgia--Consultant (Current)
Harper for Georgia, Inc.--Consultant (Current)
WBJ Leadership Committee, Inc.--Consultant (Current)
Brian Jack for Congress--Consultant (Current)
Pace-O-Matic, Inc.--Consultant (Current)
BGR Group--Consultant (Current)
Freeport-McMoran (via BGR Group)--Consultant (Current)
Wayne Halfway House, Inc.--Consultant/Independent Contractor
(Current)
Three Pines Leasing, LLC--Consultant (Current)
American Made Media Consultants--Consultant (Current)
National Public Affairs Strategies--Consulting services as Vice
Presidenl of Political Strategy (Current)
Ag-Pro Companies--Consulting (Current)
A Healthy Future--Consultant
Georgia Racing and Entertainment, LLC--Consultant
Sun West Mortgage--Marketing
THM Consulting--Consultant
Piedmont Healthcare--Consultant
Prime Media Partners--Consultant
Century Strategies, LLC--Consultant
Indiana Innovation Council, Inc.--Consultant
Georgia Republican Party, Inc.--Consultant
Henry Erying for Utah--Consultant
Never Surrender, Inc. (Formally Donald J. Trump for President
2024, Inc.)--Consultant
Lincoln Strategy Group--Consultant
Five Points Consulting--Consultant
Center for an Educated Georgia (Grassroots Outreach)
Trump Vance Inaugural Committee, Inc. (Consultant/Public
Liaison)
Trump Pence Inaugural Committee (Consultant/Public Liaison)
Connect South
Potomac South
12. Memberships: Assistant Ward Clerk (Church ofJesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints) Pilgrim Mill Ward, Cumming, GA
13. Political affiliations and activities:
(a) List all offices with a political party which you have held or
any public office for which you have been a candidate.
None.
(b) List all memberships and offices held in and services rendered
to all political parties or election committees during the last 10
years.
During the last 10 years, when serving as manager and owner of the
PWK Group LLC, I have provided consultant services to a number of
political campaigns, as identified in this questionnaire, and to the
Georgia Republican Party, Inc., the Republican National Committee, and
to Never Surrender, Inc. (Formally Donald J. Trump for President 2024,
Inc.). As Special Assistant to the President and Director of External
Afflairs in the Office of the Vice President, I worked with political
parties and election committees in my official capacity.
(c) Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $500 or more for the past 10 years.
Republican National Committee--$15,000 (7/1/2024)
Brian Jack for Congress--$3300 (3/31/2024)
Tyler Harper (GA)--$500 (10/24/2023)
Brandon Beach--$1000 (8/28/2023)
Jeff Landry--$1000 (5/16/23)
Burt Jones--$2588 (12/21/2022)
Tyler Harper--$500 (9/22/2022)
Derek Schmidt--$500 (6/16/22)
Blake Harbin--$500 (3/29/2022)
Tim Fleming--$500 (3/9/2022)
Burt Jones (GA)--$2583 (1/9/2022)
Burt Jones--$1000 (9/9/2021)
Tyler Harper--$1000 (8/30/2021)
Kristi Noem--$4000 (1/1/2021)
Kelly Loeffler--$2800 (12/1/2020)
Corey Gardner--$500 (7/6/2020)
Donald J Trump for President--$2800 (2/20/2020)
Great America Commiltee--$5000 (6/30/2020)
Georgia Republican Party- $1000 (4/8/2020)
Donald J Trump--$1000 (5/12/2020)
14. Honors and awards: (List all scholarships, fellowships,
honorary degrees, honorary society memberships, military medals and any
other special recognitions for outstanding service or achievements.)
Hope Scholarship Award
University of Georgia 40 Under 40 Recipient
Eagle Scout
15. Published writings: (List the titles, publishers, and dates of
books, articles, reports, or other published materials which you have
written.)
President Trump Has Been A Godsend To The Faith Community, ARIZONA
DAILY INDEPENDENT (Oct 26, 2020)
16. Speeches: Provide the Committee with two copies of any formal
speeches you have delivered during the last 5 years which you have
copies of on topics relevant to the position for which you have been
nominated.
None
17. Selection:
(a) Do you know why you were selected for the position to which you
have been nominated by the President?
I believe I was nominated for my commitment to the American people
and my ability to bridge and manage various relationships between
different communities successfully. President Trump knows that I am
focused on improving the quality of life for American Indians and
Alaska Natives.
(b) What in your background or employment experience do you believe
affirmatively qualifies you for this particular appointment?
I spent my youth moving throughout our great country and even
abroad for a time. My family moved every 2 to 3 years, small rural
areas to major urban centers. I am the son of a Dine mother and Army
father. My mother taught me strength and perseverance that define
Native and specifically Navajo communities. My father taught me what
commitment and sacrifice were, and he showed me through his career in
the U.S. Army. I spent much of my childhood and youth starting over and
adapting to new environments repeatedly. My early adulthood was spent
serving a two-year mission for my church prior to graduating from The
University of Georgia. These combined experiences have translated to my
ability to adapt and learn quickly in different environments and
situations while instilling in me a desire to serve.
My employment history spans working from landscaping crews, washing
dishes at a pizza restaurant, to serving the President in the White
House and starting and managing a successful small business. While in
the White House, I served as a Special Assistant to the President, as
the Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, and worked directly
with all non-federally elected officials, including Tribal Nations. In
that role, I interfaced with and served as the liaison to all federal
agencies on behalf of various non-federal elected officials. This
experience gave me the contextual knowledge and abilities required to
lead discussions and best navigate the administration's federal
agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes in carrying out
meaningful government-to-government communications and upholding the
federal government's trust responsibilities with all Tribal Nations.
My background has made me comfortable in all situations and taught
me how to adapt quickly in new roles and environments. I am also
comfortable leading large organizations while managing multiple complex
projects and staff from various backgrounds. Working in the White
House, on political campaigns, and as a small business owner, I know
the importance of accountability and delivering results quickly.
b. future employment relationships
1. Will you sever all connections with your present employers,
business firms, business associations, or business organizations if you
are confirmed by the Senate?
In accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement that I have
entered with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official and
that has been provided to this Committee, prior to assuming the duties
of my position, I plan to complete a sale of my financial interest in
PWK Group, LLC thereby terminating my position with PWK Group, LLC.
If the sale of my financial interest in PWK Group, LLC cannot be
completed prior to assuming the duties of my position, then PWK Group,
LLC will cease engaging in any business, including the representation
of clients, and will remain dormant. Additionally, all amounts owed to
me by any of my clients will be fixed before I assume the duties of the
position of Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
2. Do you have any plans, commitments, or agreements to pursue
outside employment, with or without compensation, during your service
with the government? If so, please explain.
No.
3. Do you have any plans, commitments, or agreements after
completing government service to resume employment, affiliation, or
practice with your previous employer, business firm, association, or
organization?
No.
4. Has anybody made a commitment to employ your services in any
capacity after you leave government service?
No.
5. If confirmed, do you expect to serve out your full term or until
the next Presidential election, whichever is applicable?
Yes.
c. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers.
As noted above, in accordance with the terms of the ethics
agreement that I have entered with the Department's Designated Agency
Ethics Official and that has been provided to this Committee, prior to
assuming the duties of my position, I plan to complete a sale of my
financial interest in PWK Group, LLC, thereby terminating my position
with PWK Group, LLC. The sale will be completed through a Membership
Interest Purchase Agreement, and I will receive full payment of the
enterprise value of my financial interest in PWK Group, LLC prior to
assuming the duties of my position.
If the sale of my financial interest in PWK Group, LLC cannot be
completed prior to assuming the duties of my position, then PWK Group,
LLC will cease engaging in any business, including the representation
of clients and will remain dormant. Additionally, all amounts owed to
me by any of my clients will be fixed before I assume the duties of the
position of Assisiant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
2. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated.
I have consulted with the Office of Government Ethics and the
Department of the Interior's Designated Agency Ethics Official to
identify potential conflicts of interest or appearances of conflicts of
interest. If confirmed, any potential conflicts will be resolved in
accordance with the terms of my Ethics Agreement that has been provided
to this Committee.
3. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last 10 years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated.
I have consulted with the Office of Government Ethics and the
Department of the Interior's Designated Agency Ethics Official to
identify potential conflicts of interest or appearances of conflicts of
interest. If confirmed, any potential conflicts will be resolved in
accordance with the terms of my Ethics Agreement that has been provided
to this Committee.
4. Describe any activity during the past 1O years in which you have
engaged for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the
passage, defeat, or modification of any legislation or affecting the
administration and execution of law or public policy.
During my time in the White House, I advocated for legislation that
supported Administration policies from Operation Lady Justice to Tax
Reform to Trade Agreements to Supreme Court Nominations.
5. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest,
including any that may be disclosed by your responses to the above
items. (Please provide a copy of any trust or other agreements.)
I have consulted with the Office of Government Ethics and the
Department of the Interior's Designated Agency Ethics Official to
identify potential conflicts of interest or appearances of conflicts of
interest. If confirmed, any potential conflicts will be resolved in
accordance with the terms of my Ethics Agreement that has been provided
to this Committee.
6. Do you agree to have written opinions provided to the Committee
by the designated agency ethics officer of the agency to which you are
nominated and by the Office of Government Ethics concerning potential
conflicts of interest or any legal impediments to your serving in this
position?
Yes.
d. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics
by or been the subject of a complaint to any court, administrative
agency, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other
professional group? If so, please explain.
No.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority for violation
for any Federal, State county or municipal law, regulation, or
ordinance, other than for a minor traffic offense? If so, please
explain.
No.
3. Have you or any entity, partnership or other association,
whether incorporated or unincorporated, of which you are or were an
officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding or civil litigation? If so, please explain.
No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain.
No.
5. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination.
None.
e. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees?
Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can
to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal
for their testimony and disclosures?
Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee?
Yes.
4. Please explain how if confirmed, you will review regulations
issued by your department/agency, and work closely with Congress to
ensure that such regulations comply with the spirit of the laws passed
by Congress.
If confirmed I will work to take a diligent and responsible
approach to reviewing regulations in coordination with the Department's
Office of Policy and Regulatory Afflairs and the Office of the
Solicitor. I will aim to ensure that regulations issued by Indian
Affairs comply with the spirit of the laws passed by Congress.
5. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so?
Yes.
f. general qualifications and vlews
1. How does your previous professional experiences and education
qualify you for the position for which you have been nominated?
My professional experiences have been focused on advocating for and
working to improve opportunities for all Americans. From starting a
successful small business to serving in the White House, my
professional career has been focused on result-oriented goals that
promote self-determination and economic advancement. Most recently
while serving in the White House, I served as a Special Assistant to
the President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and
worked directly with all non-federally elected officials. including
tribal nations. In that role, I interfaced with and served as a liaison
to all federal agencies on behalf of various non-federal elected
officials. I learned how best to advocate for and on behalf of others
within the federal government. I watched the importance of working with
the legislative branch to successfully pass a meaningful agenda and
policies and I know that local buy in and meaningful consultation is a
must to successfully uphold the trust responsibility.
2. Why do you wish to serve in the position for which you have been
nominated?
If confirmed to serve as the Assistant Secretary, it would be the
highest honor of my professional career. During the first Trump
Administration, the country enjoyed economic growth, individual
liberties, and safely within our communities. I was blessed to be a
member of the team serving in President Trump's first Administration,
and I am confident the Administration will produce even greater
economic development and growth throughout Indian Country. I know that
by working to align the goals of President Trump and Congress,
including the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, we can work to
improve economic opponunities, energy exploration, education, and
infrastructure, and we can work to improve tribal law enforcement and
to improve the trust relationship with our tribal nations.
3. What goals have you established for your first two years in this
position, if confirmed?
If confirmed I will work to support President Trump and the
Secretary's goal to operate more efficiently and effectively with
Tribal Nations. I will lead Indian Affairs, with input from Indian
Country and Congress, in identifying reforms and changes to improve the
lives of those under the trust responsibility of the federal
government. Indian Affairs will strive to be accountable to Indian
Country by maintaining an open-door policy and focusing on the trust
relationship through tribal consultation and communication with
Congress. This accountability and communication will allow Indian
Affairs to further expand on successes and create opportunities for
Indian Country--focusing on economic development and tribal
sovereignty.
4. What skills do you believe you may be lacking which may be
necessary to successfully carry this position? What steps can be taken
to obtain those skills?
While I have spent invaluable time working within the White House
and that time and experience will no doubt add in my service as the
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs, if confirmed, most of my work
experience has been in the private sector. I will need to quickly be
brought up to speed on all the responsibilities over which the position
has authority. I look forward to working with the career and political
appointees already in place to obtain the needed information to advance
and elevate all of Indian Country.
5. Please discuss your philosophical views on the role of
government. Include a discussion or when you believe the government
should involve itself in the private sector, when society's problems
should be left to the private sector, and what standards should be used
to determine when a government program is no longer necessary.
In relationship to the federal government, I believe our role
should be to manage foreign relations, protect individual rights
through reasonable checks and balances, and maintain national security
by maintaining a standing military. Specifically at the U.S. Department
of the Interior and within Indian Affairs, the role and mission is to
successfully maintain the trust responsibilities with our Tribal
Nations and dutifully ensure meaningful consultation on all matters
pertaining to Indian country.
Government should allow the private sector's problems to be worked
out as much as possible within the private sector, but when private
sector fails to protect consumer rights or ensure fairness the
government should step in to protect the individual.
The rate at which the government engages in the private sector
should be careful and timely as to not stifle private sector
innovation, but like the private sector, government should be scalable
and able to adjust. If a government program is no longer needed, I
would suspect that constituency it served would let it be known and no
longer request those services. After this information is brought to the
Office of the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs a final decision can
be made on the termination after thoughtful consultation.
6. Describe the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been
nominated.
The mission of the U.S. Department of the Interior is to protect
and manage the nation's natural resources and cultural heritage with
the assistance of the Office of the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs
to fulfill the trust responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska
Natives. This will be accomplished by working to ensure the missions of
the BIA and BIE are realized and the goals of providing better economic
and educational opportunities are met. The Office of the Assistant
Secretary--Indian Affairs will work to improve the process and speed in
which various approvals happen; how the land into trust process is
managed, and upholding tribal sovereignty will all be significant
missions.
7. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency and why?
A scalable, non uniformed approach to different communities in
Indian Country. The Office of the Assistant Secrelary--Indian Affairs
cannot carry out a one size fits all uniformed approach to achieving
successful outcomes in Indian Country with such a wide variety of
diverse community with different challenges. Sovereignty and self-
governance remain challenging with bureaucratic tape and federal
oversight. Education is the key to economic mobility and overhauling
the bureaus and offices within Indian Affairs is a must to meet that
goal.
8. In reference to question number six, what factors in your
opinion have kept the department/agency from achieving its missions
over the past several years?
The answer is simple. Institutional change is hard anywhere, but
almost impossible within a bureaucratic setting. Comfort, complacency,
and status quo are easy to stick with, but to meet the goals of the
Department of the Interior, the Office of the Assistant Secretary--
Indian Affairs has to disavow the status quo and increase collaboration
with Indian Country and Congress to avoid the path of least resistance
and make real change.
9. Who are the stakeholders in the work of this department/agency?
The stakeholders are vast. They include federally recognized Indian
Tribes, their members and communities, private and tribal land and
business owners operating within those communities, government
agencies, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and other
Congressional and elected leaders. And ultimately the American people.
10. What is the proper relationship between the position to which
you have been nominated, and the stakeholders identified in question
number nine?
I believe the Assistant Secretary should be readily accessible to
all stakeholders and work in as transparent fashion as possible.
11. The Chief Financial Officers Act requires all government
departments and agencies to develop sound financial management
practices.
a) What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that your department/agency has proper management and accounting
controls?
If confirmed I will work with the appropriate staff to ensure that
the management of all Indian Trust financial assets are managed
responsibly and in compliance with all current laws and regulations.
The Office of the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs will work to
improve how current polices are carried out and look for ways to
improve them.
b) What experience do you have in managing a large organization?
I have directly managed and supervised staff of over 1OO in various
organizations. While in my role as Deputy Director of Intergovernmental
Affairs at the White House I was responsible for managing the
relationships of all non-federally elected officials nationwide. We
implemented direct communications regularly with all elected officials
we were responsible for. I am confident that, if confirmed, I will be
able to navigate the large Indian Affairs organization while overseeing
large scale projects meant to uphold the trust responsibilities of the
federal government.
12. The Government Performance and Results Act requires all
government departments and agencies to identify measurable performance
goals and to report to Congress on their success in achieving these
goals.
a) What benefits, if any, do you see in identifying performance
goals and reporting on progress in achieving those goals?
Reporting goals and progress are vital to any successfal
organization planning. Without goals and reporting to hold departments
and agencies accountable those goals are just a wish list. I look
forward to working with staff to establish short- and long-term
performance goals to be held accountable.
b) What steps should Congress consider taking when a department/
agency fails to achieve its performance goals? Should these steps
include the elimination, privatization, downsizing, or consolidation of
departments and/or programs?
Congress should always take a thoughtful, pragmatic approach to
investigating agency short comings and failures. If confirmed I will
look forward to working with Congress, specifically the Senate Indian
Affairs Committee, to analyze how to better maximize the Office of the
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs and how we are delivering services
to Indian Country. Any changes in services being delivered within
Indian Country should be made only after meaningful consultation.
c) What performance goals do you believe should be applicable to
your personal performance, if confirmed?
If confirmed, I should be held to the same standard as others in
similar positions. I look forward to working with the Qffice of the
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs to set impactful goals for the
organization and for myself. The goals should focus on uplifting all
constituents I will serve. Goals I have set for myself are to improve
the government-to-governmenl relationships by improving the
consultation process. I believe this will lead to more economic
opportunities through increased access to capital and better broadband
connectivity which will lead to better and more innovative education
opportunities. Additionally, I will seek to accomplish a more
streamlined approach to oil, gas, and mineral exploration throughout
Indian Country.
13. Please describe your philosophy of supervisor/employee
relationships. Generally, what supervisory model do you follow? Have
any employee complaints been brought against you?
I believe in a simple yet proven relationship of trust and respect.
Supervisor/employee relationships should be built with personal
connections that create a family environment where everyone feels
valued and respected Generally, I believe a supervisor should be
defined by a shared set of values, which guide decisionmaking and
foster a strong team culture. The supervisor should lead by example,
they should demonstrate the values they stress by their actions and
create a culture of high standards and accountability. I have never had
an employee complaint brought against me.
14. Describe your working relationship, if any, with the Congress.
Does your professional experience include working with committees of
Congress? lf yes, please explain.
My professional experiences interacting with Congress have been
mostly working to elect or re-elect members to Congress. I look forward
to working with Congress and all pertinent Committees to advance Indian
Country.
15. Please explain what you believe to be the proper relationship
between yourself, if confirmed, and the Inspector General of your
department/agency.
If confirmed, my working relationship with the Inspector General
will be rooted in respect for compliance and the rule of law. I believe
the Inspector General should have access to necessary information that
allows them to provide appropriate feedback and recommendations on
issues of waste, fraud, and abuse within the agency and department.
16. In the areas under the department/agency's jurisdiction to
which you have been nominated, what legislative action(s) should
Congress consider as priorities? Please state your personal views.
If confirmed I think Congress should consider any or all
legislative action to better promote education reform, economic and
resource development on tribal lands with a less paternalistic nature
and more sovereignty for tribal stakeholders. These are all very broad
in nature because I ultimately feel that priorities need to be made
with meaningful consultation with Native communities, Tribes and
Congress.
17. Within your area of control, will you pledge to develop and
implement a system that allocates discretionary spending in an open
manner through a set of fair and objective established criteria? If
yes, please explain what steps you intend to take and a timeframe for
their implementation. If not, please explain why.
If confirmed, transparency in all areas, including discretionary
spending, will be a top priority. I will work to ensure that the trust
relalionship is upheld and look forward to working with the Committee
on Indian Affairs to implement any best practices.
g. financial data
[Information not released to the public.]
STATEMENT OF HON. BRIAN SCHATZ,
U.S. SENATOR FROM HAWAII
Senator Schatz. [Presiding.] Thank you, Mr. Kirkland. Thank
you to you and your family for your willingness to serve.
For the information of everybody here and everybody
watching, we are in the middle of a vote series. So the Chair
and various members will be coming in and out. That does not
diminish the importance of this hearing, just that we can't
miss a vote.
I am going to give my opening statement and then roll right
into my questions. Again, thank you to the nominee and to your
family for joining us.
Today we examine the nomination of William H. ``Billy''
Kirkland to be the 15th Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs,
the highest-ranking Senate confirmed official in Indian Affairs
at the Department of the Interior. If confirmed, Mr. Kirkland
will be expected by statute and by tradition to fulfill the
Federal Government's trust and treaty obligations and advocate
for the advancement of those obligations across the entire
administration.
Here in the Senate, our charge under the Constitution is to
provide advice and consent through vigorous vetting and a
clear-eyed review of qualifications, as well as Mr. Kirkland's
preparedness to conduct himself as a fiduciary, that is his
ability and due need to act in the best interests of American
Indians and Alaska Natives, and to respect the Federal
Government's special political and trust relationship with the
Native Hawaiian community.
So this is not a courtesy review. As the Committee with
primary jurisdiction over Indian affairs, Native Hawaiian, and
Alaska Native affairs, we expect the Assistant Secretary to
carry out the trust responsibility, maintain government-to-
government relationships, honor tribal sovereignty and promote
self-determination and self-governance. These duties are a
given, no matter which party occupies the White House.
The Assistant Secretary must also have a deep respect for
Federal Indian law and policy and demonstrate unimpeachable
ethics and a commitment to transparency. Based on these metrics
and after a thorough review of his questionnaires, I have some
clarifying questions which I will be asking. Specifically, I
will be asking Mr. Kirkland to explain his qualifications to
serve in this position, and we have talked about this.
I will ask him questions to assure that his close
involvement in political campaigns at the State and Federal
levels, which are not disqualifying, will not affect his
ability to serve the best interests of Indian Country. And I
will probe Mr. Kirkland's willingness to comply with Federal
ethics laws and agency guidance throughout his tenure.
As I have said many times before, this Committee's
bipartisanship is its strength. We should agree that the
Federal trust responsibilities to Indian tribes is one of the
highest moral and legal obligations that we have, and it is our
duty to ensure that the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs
is held to that exacting standard.
So I am just going to ask a series of questions. They are a
little tough, but they are not gotchas. Just to get you ready.
In your ethics paperwork, you reserved the right to seek
conflict of interest and personal financial interest waivers
under current law. I would like to understand that a little bit
better, and I just want to put the question directly to you.
Will you pledge not to request or accept any ethics
waivers?
Mr. Kirkland. I pledge to work with the Office of Ethics,
the career staffers within the Department of Interior, to make
sure whatever I am doing or whatever I do do is always
ethically in line with whatever law is in place, and remain
ethically compliant in all ways.
Senator Schatz. Sure. I get that. You will work with the
lawyers in the department to figure out how to comply with the
statute.
My question is, you are going to have the discretion about
whether or not to ask for a waiver. And that is not up to the
lawyers. You get to say, I would like not, I think I have a
conflict here, I think it is close enough to a conflict here,
that you just say, let me stay out of this, let me build a
firewall and let other people handle it.
So you don't have to check with the lawyers to say, I am
not going to be seeking any waivers of the ethics laws. It is
up to you to decide that. You don't have to confer with the
lawyers.
You only confer with the lawyers when you are saying, hey,
would it be okay if I got a waiver from the ethics laws in
order to work on this thing, where I could be at least
conflict-adjacent.
So I am just going to put the question to you a second
time. This is not a trick question. It just seems to me if I
were you coming into this position, I would just say, look, if
anything looks close to an ethical conflict, I am not even
going to check, I am going to recuse.
Mr. Kirkland. Senator, I appreciate your question. I am not
aware of any ethical conflicts or any waivers being requested,
and I will continue to make sure that I am compliant in all
ways moving forward.
Senator Schatz. Your 2025 ethics paperwork says you
``plan'' to sell your political consulting group, the PWK
group, to Potomac South, a registered lobbying firm.
What is the status of that sale? Are you going to execute
the sale before you take --
Mr. Kirkland. If lucky enough to be confirmed and honored
enough to serve in the position, and this Committee decides my
worthiness to be confirmed, yes, sir. Everything will be
ethically handled and passed over before I take office.
Senator Schatz. And you will provide the Committee with a
copy of the purchase agreement for that sale?
Mr. Kirkland. Happy to remain compliant in all ways and do
whatever I am asked to do, yes, sir.
Senator Schatz. And can I confirm, again, I am just running
the traps here, I am not making an accusation.
Mr. Kirkland. Oh, sure, no problem.
Senator Schatz. Okay. Can I confirm that neither you nor
either of your family will retain a financial interest in the
firm?
Mr. Kirkland. Yes, sir.
Senator Schatz. Thank you.
I want to ask you about equal treatment of tribes. In 1994,
Congress made clear that all tribes, whether recognized by
Congress, the Executive Branch or the Federal courts, are
entitled to the ``same privileges and immunities as another.''
That is 25 U.S.C. 5123(f). That means that no matter how or
when they were federally recognized, all federally-recognized
tribes have the same seat at the table with the U.S.
Government.
Mr. Kirkland, yes or no, do you agree that all federally
recognized tribes are entitled to the same privileges and
immunities regardless of how or when they were acknowledged?
Mr. Kirkland. I believe that all federally-recognized
tribes have a treaty obligation that the U.S. Government has to
respect and follow the law in terms of how those obligations
have been recorded.
Senator Schatz. Yes, but this is a little more of a
specific question. The law establishes that it doesn't matter
how or when you were recognized, administrative process
recently, legislative process 100 years ago, if you are
federally recognized, then you are treated equally by the
Department of the Interior.
And my question is, will you abide by that legal principle?
Mr. Kirkland. I look forward to abiding by all legal
principles and following --
Senator Schatz. Okay, do you agree that that is a legal
principle?
Mr. Kirkland. I am unfamiliar with that particular statute
and term. As you pointed out, and will continue to point out, I
am sure not a legal scholar. But I look forward to working with
the department attorneys and in the Office of the Solicitor to
review anything else that I need to further update myself on.
Senator Schatz. Okay. This is going to be the toughest one,
and we had a conversation about this in private.
You were a senior presential campaign advisor in 2020 in
Georgia. I just want to say, it is okay to work as a political
operative. Some of my best friends are political operatives.
Very few of my best friends are political operatives who are
Republicans. But it is fine.
That is not disqualifying. But there was reporting that was
kind of ambiguous as to a specific sort of event. So I just
want to hear you under oath. As a senior presidential campaign
advisor in 2020, did you participate in, direct, or have any
personal knowledge of the President's Georgia pressure
campaign, his phone call with the Georgia Secretary of State,
or the electors scheme?
Mr. Kirkland. I will just review, as you said, under oath I
am happy to reaffirm that. But also just to rehash our
conversation in your office--
Senator Schatz. You just said, ``reaffirm that.'' I am not
trying to be tricky; I just want to--
Mr. Kirkland. I understand. You mentioned that we had this
conversation once before.
Senator Schatz. Yes.
Mr. Kirkland. And I am happy to echo that conversation.
Never have I talked to any of the press that reported those
incidents. I was not involved in the conversation that took
place. I was not in the vicinity or the room with the President
or on a telephone.
Senator Schatz. Thank you.
I suppose it depends who you ask whether that was a tough
one, or this is the toughest one.
We talked a little bit about this. Let me put it this way:
I make sort of a half joke about how we in the United States
Senate are probably not even qualified to be our own LAs, or
legislative directors, because of the deep subject matter
expertise.
So it is not a knock on someone to say that they may lack
the deep subject matter expertise necessary for a particular
position. I think the knock on you would be that you are not
deeply ensconced in Indian law, you don't have 30 years of
tribal leadership, you know. You have demonstrated capabilities
in other areas.
But my question is, how we are going to work around, I
remember talking to Jim Bridenstine, who was a member of
Congress who ended up being the NASA Administrator. Most NASA
Administrators had a deep scientific background. I talked to
him about it.
And he ended up being a good NASA Administrator. Why?
Because he knew what he didn't know, right? He ended up
surrounding himself with a bunch of scientists, and not always
doing what they asked, but relying on their expertise. We know
a lot about that in the United States Senate, because you just
can't know everything.
But I think it is fair to say you do not possess deep
expertise in this space. So how do you plan to work around
that?
It is not a knock on your leadership capacity. But I do
think that if you look at the people who have held this
position, a lot of them have 20, 30 years on a CV that says,
oh, that makes sense. And for you, you have a nexus and a
passion for tribal issues.
But I want to be satisfied that if you are not in personal
possession of the expertise that you are going to figure out a
way to find it and rely upon it.
So could you speak to that?
Mr. Kirkland. Senator, I appreciate your question. As I
mentioned, you were handling the duties of the Senate and
voting and weren't here and missed my opening statement. I
mentioned that the process of getting to know your staffs and
meeting with you was both exciting and humbling, whether it was
questioning ever so politely qualifications, or even the
ability to do jobs, or where I was from or how I was raised or
even if I--having the ability to speak Navajo almost kept me
from taking seriously in this job. It is like I say, a very
humbling experience.
In terms of qualifications, while both in business and in
my government service in the White House, I will start there
specifically, we were the outwardly facing office to--I am
sorry, I thought there for a second there my two-year-old had
escaped.
We were the outwardly facing office for all non-federally
elected officials. That include managing coordination and
relationships with 50 governors, 99 State legislative bodies,
7,386 State legislators. On the county government side, that
was 33,144 counties, roughly over 19,000 elected county
commissioners and county board members.
My background both in the White House and in business
includes managing complex issues, managing multiple
personalities, people, subject matter, building coalitions,
navigating difficult issues within a diverse constituency,
managing budgets, coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
You mentioned political campaigns, or marketing, for that
matter. In a campaign or marketing campaign, typically you have
a really set time period to be successful. You have to identify
key priorities and move quickly to make those priorities
successful. And you don't have a six-year span to do that.
Oftentimes you have months or even a year, but there is a
deadline, and if you are not successful, either you win or you
lose. And if you lose, you don't last in a business long,
whether that is getting new clients or winning an election.
I plan to take those skills I have used and learned in both
my government experience and my personal life to serve Indian
Affairs. I think that we are in a time where a lot of issues
that need to be met, they are timely, and those are the skill
sets that I want to take to serve Indian Country in the Office
of the Assistant Secretary.
Senator Schatz. Thank you.
Senator Murkowski. [Presiding.] I am going to defer to
Senator Daines. We are all going to popping in and out with
these votes, and I am going to be here for a while. So we will
go to Senator Daines.
STATEMENT OF HON. STEVE DAINES,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MONTANA
Senator Daines. Chair Murkowski, thank you.
I appreciate my colleague Senator Schatz, with some of his
question about what qualification is needed for this job. But
just for what it is worth, I have a picture of the org chart
here. You will literally be overseeing thousands of employees
reporting to you.
With all due respect, I don't think we have to be subject
matter experts, deep, on all these topics. What really this is
about is leadership and managing a large and complex
organization.
So with all due respect to my colleague, Senator Schatz, I
think leadership qualities, passion and mission are probably
the most important part of what it takes when you are at the
top of an organization like this. I just wanted to make that
comment.
Mr. Kirkland, thank you for coming before this Committee
today. I appreciate your willingness to serve. I appreciate
your family's willingness to serve with you in this. It is a
very important position and I look forward to working with you.
The Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs is tasked with
fulfilling the government's trust responsibilities to both our
tribal nations as well as supporting self-determination.
Unfortunately, as I spend a lot of time with my tribal leaders
across Montana, they have told me time and time again that the
Bureau of Indian Affairs is falling short in that very
important mission.
Public safety is the number one concern. I hear this from
Indian Country all the time. And frankly, on the ground, it is
beyond a full-blown crisis in Montana. Cartel members are
exploiting jurisdictional loopholes and often operating with
impunity on Montana's reservations. Tribal law enforcement are
trying to police some areas that are larger than Rhode Island
with only a handful of officers and insufficient resources.
Going back about 10 years, drug overdoses in Montana have
skyrocketed, and deaths in Indian Country are three times
higher than the rest of Montana. I appreciate my colleague,
Senator Smith, for working with me to introduce the Protection
for Reservation Occupants against Trafficking and Evasive
Communications Today Act. This bill is going to help give
tribal law enforcement the tools they need to police our
communities, stop the flow of deadly drugs on the reservations
like fentanyl and meth.
Mr. Kirkland, will you commit to working with me to enhance
public safety? This is one of the top issues I am hearing from
my tribal leaders, to enhance public safety in Indian Country
and to help tribal law enforcement get the resources they so
badly need?
Mr. Kirkland. Senator, I appreciate your question and I
enjoyed spending time with you in your office recently with
your staff. I have also enjoyed visiting your State, and with
the Crow, a few years ago, in the former administration.
As you know, and are well aware, the law enforcement and
public safety are a priority of this administration. It is
something that Secretary Burgum takes very seriously and I look
forward to working with you to advance that within your State,
with your tribes.
Senator Daines. Thank you, Mr. Kirkland.
You have a good boss in Doug Burgum as well. He has been a
dear friend for many years personally with me. I remember he
chatted with me one day when he was thinking about running for
public office, and asked me, what do you think about running
for governor some day of North Dakota? I said, that is a great
idea, Doug, you should do it.
Mr. Kirkland. And Senator, not to go too far off topic, but
literally walking in, a good friend also said, Secretary Purdue
said to say make sure to say hello as well.
Senator Daines. Thank you. He is great. And likewise.
Mr. Kirkland. So for the record, I can say that I said
hello.
Senator Daines. You did for the record say hello back at
you, right?
Let me talk about the water some, this is another high
priority for us in Montana. Montana is a semi-arid State. I
will tell folks back home that D.C. gets more rain than Seattle
does. Check it out. They have more annual rainfall here than
Seattle. This is a swampy, wet place, with about 40 inches of
rain.
Out in Montana, we are semi-arid. It is between 12 and 16
inches of rain per year. So yes, we have beautiful rivers and
we are a headwater State of the Missouri. But our livelihoods
depends on water. I envy Chairman Murkowski in Alaska. She is
surrounded by water. She has a lot of water; Alaska has good
precipitation. And we are pretty arid up in Montana. So water
settlements are a big deal.
The Fort Belknap are the original Winters tribe. And their
settlement has been over a century, a century is over 100
years, in the making. After decades of negotiation and strong
leadership from President Jeff Stiffarm, who has been a great
friend and ally and a courageous president, we are almost
across the finish line to settle a 100-year issue.
Without a settlement, farmers, ranchers, water users are
left in limbo, and these issues are going to end up being
litigated in court. This will help bring clean drinking water
to the reservation and provide certainty for not only tribal
users, but non-tribal water users alike.
This settlement has already passed the Senate twice, and
has unanimous support from the tribe, the State of Montana,
relevant counties, and the entire Montana delegation.
Mr. Kirkland, do you agree it is important to enact this
agreement to settle a 100-year dispute to close out the last
water settlement in Montana, and will you work with Congress to
get this done?
Mr. Kirkland. I want to work with Congress to make sure
that we comply with all treaty obligations to honor our trust
responsibility with tribes. Water is vital to life.
In my opening statement, I mentioned I have many keen
memories of having to haul water to my Grandma Susie's sheep
camp because it is not there. Oftentimes driving, 30, 40 miles
to find the water. So I look forward to working with you and
your staff on your water issues.
Senator Daines. Thank you. I have a closing sentence and
then I will turn it over back to the Chairman because I am out
of time.
I wanted to thank you for your comments and I want to
encourage you and urge you to engage with Montana tribes once
confirmed to cut through the bureaucratic red tape, to help
them support and enhance their communities. We have a real
chance to make a difference in Indian Country. I am confident
in your leadership.
Thank you.
Mr. Kirkland. Thank you very much, Senator.
Senator Murkowski. Thank you, Senator Daines.
STATEMENT OF HON. BEN RAY LUJAN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW MEXICO
Senator Lujan. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Mr. Kirkland, from 2009 to 2013 you worked for Ralph Reed's
Faith and Freedom Coalition. Is that correct?
Mr. Kirkland. Yes, sir.
Senator Lujan. Was Ralph Reed a champion of tribes?
Mr. Kirkland. I worked for Ralph Reed. We worked --
Senator Lujan. That was not my question. My question is, is
Ralph Reed a champion of tribes?
Mr. Kirkland. Sir, I worked for the Faith and Freedom
Coalition.
Senator Lujan. Do you have an opinion about Ralph Reed?
Mr. Kirkland. I have an opinion that I worked--
Senator Lujan. Let me ask you a different question. Ralph
Reed was a business partner of Jack Abramoff. Both were accused
of defrauding and disadvantaging tribal gaming enterprises for
financial gain in the early 2000s, something this Committee
conducted extensive oversight on and produced a 350-page
report.
Why did you choose to go work for him after that?
Mr. Kirkland. Thank you for your question, Senator. When I
worked for the Faith and Freedom Coalition, we focused on
working with and educating voters on matters of faith that were
important to the faith-based community. I never met Jack
Abramoff or conducted any business with him.
Senator Lujan. My question, Mr. Kirkland, is why did you
choose to go back to work for Ralph after that?
Mr. Kirkland. Senator, I never chose to go back to work for
Jack. I accepted --
Senator Lujan. You accepted the job.
Mr. Kirkland. Senator, I have never met Jack Abramoff.
Senator Lujan. Not Jack. Mr. Reed, that is the group you
said you worked for.
Mr. Kirkland. I worked for the Faith and Freedom Coalition.
Senator Lujan. Why did you choose to go work for him?
Mr. Kirkland. Why did I choose to work for Ralph Reed? I
worked for the Faith and Freedom Coalition, of which he
happened to be the chairperson at the time.
Senator Lujan. You didn't work for Ralph?
Mr. Kirkland. I worked for the Faith and Freedom Coalition,
sir.
Senator Lujan. Do you have an opinion about Jack Abramoff?
Mr. Kirkland. I never met Jack Abramoff.
Senator Lujan. Do you have an opinion of him?
Mr. Kirkland. I don't know Jack Abramoff.
Senator Lujan. Do you think it was okay that he defrauded
tribes?
Mr. Kirkland. I don't think it is okay to defraud anyone. I
have never met Jack Abramoff.
Senator Lujan. I appreciate that. We are on the same page
there.
Mr. Kirkland, you said in your testimony that when you
worked at the White House, you worked to ensure that Indian
Country was fully included in the CARES Act, a piece of
legislation I was proud to work on. The CARES Act, of course,
was a bipartisan piece of legislation to respond to Covid-19,
to the pandemic, which began in late 2019 and early 2020.
I see from your Committee questionnaire that you worked at
the White House from January 2017 to August 2019, is that
correct?
Mr. Kirkland. Yes.
Senator Lujan. When was the CARES Act passed?
Mr. Kirkland. Sir, when I left the White House, I worked on
the campaign and remained in close contact with the Office of
Inter-Governmental Affairs on tribal --
Senator Lujan. Mr. Kirkland, my question is, do you know
when the CARES Act was passed?
Mr. Kirkland. It was after I left the White House.
Senator Lujan. It was March of 2020, after you left the
White House. Why do you take credit for working on that after
you left?
Mr. Kirkland. Because I worked with the White House to do
that.
Senator Lujan. Who did you work with here in Congress?
Mr. Kirkland. I worked within the White House, I worked
with Doug Hoelscher, I worked with --
Senator Lujan. Did you work with anyone here in Congress to
get that passed?
Mr. Kirkland. No, sir.
Senator Lujan. No? My colleague who had this seat before
me, Tom Udall, who was the Vice Chair of this Committee, worked
to ensure it got passed. Are you aware that during your time in
the White House that it was the House of Representatives that
passed the CARES Act? The Senate had not yet passed it.
Mr. Kirkland. I am very aware, sir, that the two bodies in
Congress pass bills, yes.
Senator Lujan. No. Are you aware that the House passed it
before you left the White House and the Senate passed it after
you left the White House?
Mr. Kirkland. That is excellent. Thank you for telling me
that.
Senator Lujan. Did you work on the House legislation or the
Senate legislation in your advocacy when you were in the White
House?
Mr. Kirkland. Sir, I said I worked with the White House.
Senator Lujan. Yes, did you work with the White House on
the House legislation or the Senate legislation?
Mr. Kirkland. I worked with the White House on formulating
and ensuring that all of Indian Country was included in the
CARES Act.
Senator Lujan. What did the White House have to do with
passing the CARES Act in Congress?
Mr. Kirkland. Sir, we met with and talked with and
consulted with tribes across the Country, not just federally-
recognized tribes, it was also Alaska ANCs. That was meaningful
consultation. It was lots of time and effort to ensure that
they were all included in the Act.
Senator Lujan. I appreciate that, Mr. Kirkland. Is
providing funding to American Indians, Alaska Natives and
Native Hawaiians a part of America's trust responsibility to
tribes?
Mr. Kirkland. I think ensuring that the money that Congress
appropriates to the Office of Indian Affairs is very important.
I think it is very important to the Office to prioritize how
best to allocate those funds that Congress allocates to the
Office of Indian Affairs--
Senator Lujan. I appreciate that.
Mr. Kirkland [continuing]. to ensure that we are--
Senator Lujan. Mr. Kirkland, my time has about run out. I
am sorry to be rude.
Mr. Kirkland, yesterday you are aware that Congress passed
a rescissions package. So in your position, Mr. Russell Blowe
has already said he sent you another one and Congress says it
doesn't matter what they say about this. The Executive Branch
is going to do it.
Are you going to stand up and speak up to this
administration if they choose to rescind appropriations passed
by this Congress for tribal communities across America? The
answer is yes or no.
Mr. Kirkland. Sir, once I am confirmed, which I hope to
be--
Senator Lujan. Okay, the answer is not yes. Do you think
the administration cutting billions from national programs that
support Indian Country and Native American communities lives up
to America's trust responsibility?
Mr. Kirkland. Sir, I look forward, once confirmed, to
working with you, your staff, this Committee and most
importantly tribal leaders to prioritize the money that
Congress appropriates to the Office of Indian Affairs to make
sure it is best and most wisely invested.
Senator Lujan. I appreciate that, Mr. Kirkland. Right now
you stand alone in this administration, because yesterday all
my Republican colleagues, most of them, voted to get this done.
And Russell Blowe has said he is sending another package before
the sun even came up this morning. So you are alone in this.
I hope that you are a man of your word and you speak up and
stand up to this. Because we need some strong voices. And I
hope that we have one in you, sir.
You also talked about water, which I appreciate very much.
It matters to us. Mr. Kirkland, do you know how many Navajo
brothers and sisters are waiting to have water delivered from
the Navajo Gallup water project?
Mr. Kirkland. I can't give you that. I look forward to you
giving it to me.
Senator Lujan. I will give it to you. It is 250,000, sir.
Mr. Kirkland, do you know how many recognized Indian water
rights settlements are in New Mexico?
Mr. Kirkland. I am sure you have that number for me. I look
forward to hearing it.
Senator Lujan. I will share that with you. Mr. Kirkland, do
you know how much funding is needed for the Fiscal Year 2026
budget to keep the Navajo Gallup water project on track?
Mr. Kirkland. I will look forward to hearing.
Senator Lujan. One hundred seventy-five million. Do you
know that if this fails it will be the first Indian water
rights settlement to fail in America's history?
Mr. Kirkland. No, sir, I was not aware of that.
Senator Lujan. It would be. Mr. Kirkland, do you know how
much the President's budget, President Donald Trump, allocated
for the Navajo Gallup water project?
Mr. Kirkland. Not off hand, no, sir.
Senator Lujan. Zero dollars. Is that okay?
Mr. Kirkland. I am sorry?
Senator Lujan. Is that okay that the budget had zero
dollars for the Navajo Nation water pipeline settlement?
Mr. Kirkland. Sir, I hope that we can put trillions of
dollars into the, not just the Navajo's budget, but the Office
of Indian Affairs. The facts are that--
Senator Lujan. I agree with you.
Mr. Kirkland [continuing]. our Nation is facing a crippling
national debt.
Senator Lujan. I know how to read that, so yes--
Mr. Kirkland. As I stated before, I look forward to working
with you--
Senator Lujan. Mr. Kirkland, my Republican colleagues just
added $4 trillion to the debt. My question is, you in your
testimony proudly spoke of your upbringing on the Navajo
Nation, your ties to the Nation, hauling water. Speaker Curley
is right behind you. Other leaders are as well.
One of the things I am proud to represent is the leadership
from the Navajo Nation, brothers and sisters there as well. For
too long, America has ignored its trust responsibilities. This
would be the first water settlement to fail.
My question is a simple one. Is it okay or not that the
President of the United States, who gave his commitment to the
President of the Navajo Nation and other leaders that he would
support the settlement, put zero dollars in the budget?
This is an important question, Madam Chair.
Mr. Kirkland. I appreciate the question, and I appreciate
the enthusiasm.
Senator Lujan. Madam Chair, I will yield back. If the
answer is not yes, I am worried about this. My colleague talked
about leadership qualities. Being honest and keeping your word
matters. And I just certainly hope, Madam Chair, that as we are
going through all of this that we can find an honest way to
tell people, if the answer to the Navajo Nation is they are not
getting any money, then tell them so that they can plan, they
can budget, we can figure things out to help these people
instead of an empty promise.
Madam Chair, maybe I am just tired.
Senator Murkowski. I think we are all tired.
Senator Lujan. It is just--this is just frustrating. This
is just so frustrating.
Senator Murkowski. Thank you, Senator Lujan.
I am going to reclaim my time here, ask two quick questions
and then turn to Senator Cortez Masto and go run and vote.
Because I do have more that I want to follow on with.
I mentioned the probate backlog, and how important that is,
not only to us in Alaska. We have some cases in Alaska that
date back to the 1990s and early 2000s. I know there are cases
in the lower 48 that have been open far longer than that. We
are basically looking at about a 48,000 unresolved probate
backlog. Unacceptable by any measures. And I know the Secretary
agrees with that.
But I just need your commitment to working with me, working
with this Committee, working within the department to resolve
this probate backlog. And I mentioned in my comments that I am
worried about workforce, because you can't process these things
unless you have people that are dedicated to it.
So I just ask for your public commitment today to work with
us to address this. This is an injustice that is just--it has
been carried forward for just far too long.
Mr. Kirkland. Thank you for your question and comment,
Senator.
As far as the probate, once again, I am not in the building
yet. I look forward to getting there and learning more about
this. But as far as the probate is concerned, it is a priority
of the Secretary's. He has spoken with the President about it.
I know that the Secretary has recently visited Alaska, and
you were able to speak with him about it too. He has an
initiative within the department to tackle that. Typically, as
you are well aware, if the Secretary makes a priority of
something and the President is chiming in too, that is
something that the entire staff and body within the agency is
going to focus on. This is one of the things that are on the
top of the list.
I can't imagine the heartache that some of these
constituents of yours are going through, having to wait five,
ten plus years in many cases to receive what is theirs
rightfully. So whether that is through advancements in
technology, electric record-keeping or just, we have to learn
how to build a better mousetrap. I look forward to working with
you on that.
Senator Murkowski. Well, we have to build a better
mousetrap, but we have to be processing these while we are
still building that.
Mr. Kirkland. Correct, yes.
Senator Murkowski. And that is hard to do. But we talk
about issues of homelessness and what happens when individuals
are forced to move out of the family home because Grandma dies.
And they have nowhere to go, and there is a perfectly good
home, the family home that they all grew up in, that is boarded
up and left to just deteriorate.
It is a travesty and it is something that I think we have
just said, we will get around to it sooner than later. And in
the meantime, good people are being hurt.
So it is something that I am going to prioritize, and I
appreciate that the Secretary has, and I need you to do as
well.
I am going to turn it over to Senator Cortez Masto and
scoot. I will be right back.
STATEMENT OF HON. CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEVADA
Senator Cortez Masto. [Presiding.] Thank you, Madam Chair.
Mr. Kirkland, thank you for visiting with me. I appreciate
that. And welcome to your family members, everybody here in
support. And congratulations on your nomination.
I am not going to say that I am not going to hold you
accountable on a number of issues that are impacting my tribes
in Nevada. I do want to talk about one that is very serious,
and it is not just impacting tribes in Nevada. It is really
across the Country.
Public safety in Indian Country is already severely
underfunded. The Department of Interior's 2024 Tribal Law and
Order Act Report to Congress stated that the estimated unmet
funding need for public safety and justice is over $3 billion,
which includes unmet staffing of over 11,000 law enforcement
officers. Yet the President's 2026 budget request calls for
cutting $107 million from BIA's public safety and justice
account.
Now, I know you are not there yet. But you will get into a
position where you are going to have to cut, based on the
President's budget. Can you talk to me about how you are
thinking about or what you would plan to do to make those cuts
that won't impact law enforcement's ability to combat crimes
like drug trafficking and the violence against women that we
see across tribal nations?
Mr. Kirkland. Thank you for your question, Senator.
I think, first of all, it is unfortunate, but tribal
nations have always been asked to do more with less. That is
very unfortunate.
I look forward to, once, as you said, once sworn into the
position, to getting in the building and taking a deep dive,
taking a comprehensive look at where there are opportunities to
streamline, where there are opportunities to have more cross-
agency collaboration, working across different jurisdictions,
how we can better enact training, recruitment, and also keeping
those individuals within our systems.
I can't imagine how expensive it is to retrain officers, or
law enforcement officers specifically, once they are in place
and go someplace else. Most importantly, I am going to look for
ideas from you and your staff. As Vice Chairman Schatz
mentioned very elegantly, he is looking for someone that if
they don't have answers, they are willing to look around.
I am going to rely on your staff and yourself and your
tribal leaders within your State for ideas. I want to work with
those tribes and find out what they think might work best.
Ultimately, it is most important to exercise their self-
determination and sovereignty, and I think we can do more at
the Department of Interior.
Senator Cortez Masto. Yes, I appreciate that.
Let me just say, there is already a challenge with the
ability to recruit and retain qualified law enforcement
officers to serve tribal communities. And with less money now,
$100 million to help keep these tribes safe, you are going to
have a challenge.
So I really hope that as you are addressing this issue and
make it a priority, you do come to Congress to talk to us about
the challenges that you are seeing and be honest about it.
Because I am already hearing it from my tribes in Nevada, and I
know I also hear from the BIA officers themselves. It is a
problem.
Let me also talk a little bit about a couple of issues that
are unique to some of my tribes in Nevada. Several tribes have
had the rug pulled out from under them by BIA regarding funding
for criminal detention services. In July of 2024, a number of
tribes received letters from BIA OJS stating that following an
audit of their 638 contracts, BIA would no longer provide
detention services funding those tribes.
Now, I have been working with BIA to rectify this critical
public safety issue. But unfortunately, there has been minimal
communication from DOI to the tribes on this issue and how to
address it.
So I am hoping that, one, if you are confirmed and put in
this position, that you are committed to helping us address
this issue and work to ensuring that there is an active line of
communication with DOI and the tribes on this very issue.
Would you commit to that?
Mr. Kirkland. Yes, Senator.
Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you.
Another issue that is unique to Nevada, the Shoshone Paiute
Tribe of Death Valley Reservation is on the border of Nevada
and Idaho. They have had a school there, and for generations
have taught some of our tribal children there. It is on Federal
land and it is operated by the BIA.
Over the years, it was discovered that the BIA improperly
disposed of fuels and pesticides, including two herbicides that
make up Agent Orange, on that reservation right by the school,
where the school is. Hundreds of children have been exposed to
these chemicals and over 100 tribal members have died due to
cancer, which is an extraordinary number for a tribe with
around only 3,000 members.
Time and time again, the BIA has failed to meet its
assessment deadlines and ultimately failed to meet the promise
to remediate this program. As you can only imagine, continued
delays have dire consequences to the health and safety of the
tribal members and their children.
Will you commit to quickly addressing the remediation of
this issue if you are confirmed?
Mr. Kirkland. Senator, one, thank you for the question. I
look forward to, if confirmed, quickly being brought up to
speed on the Duck Valley Reservation issue. I look forward to
working with your staff and figuring out what we can do there.
Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you.
And then one quick question, one final question. I
appreciate the work that you did under the first Trump
administration with respect to the Not Invisible Act. Thank you
for that.
Here is my concern. Chair Murkowski and I both wrote a
letter concerned that the report on recommendations to address
murdered and missing indigenous women and children, that
report, which is supposed to be made to the public, was
originally put on the DOJ website. When President Trump took
office this time, he took it down.
I am trying to understand why, and how do we get that
report back up for transparency and for the public to be aware
of. Would you work with us in trying to do just that and
publicly post it?
Mr. Kirkland. Senator, I appreciate that question. I agree
with you it is a very important issue.
Obviously, we don't control the Department of Justice's
website. But transparency is of the upmost importance in order
to gain the respect or trust of anyone. Transparency is where
it starts. I mean, I don't know how much more transparent I
could be, all I know is how much money is in my checking
account right now, probably more so than my wife does.
Senator Cortez Masto. Well, she does now.
[Laughter.]
Mr. Kirkland. So I am very happy to work with you and your
staff on transparency issues.
Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you.
STATEMENT OF HON. MARKWAYNE MULLIN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM OKLAHOMA
Senator Mullin. [Presiding.] I guess since this was handed
over, it is obviously my choice.
Senator Cortez Masto. Yes.
Senator Mullin. Thank you, and Mr. Kirkland, thank you for
being here.
Can you kind of explain a little bit about your feelings
towards Indian Country?
Mr. Kirkland. Thank you for the question, Senator. Look, my
feelings for Indian Country, they are sort of tough to explain,
and maybe you have experienced this as well. I think oftentimes
people expect or want to tell you how to feel towards Indian
Country, right? They may feel like you don't or haven't lived
through the same experiences they have.
So it is oftentimes difficult to put into words. I can tell
you that when in Indian Country, whether that is in Oklahoma,
or Montana, or within the Four Sacred Mountains of the Navajo
Reservation, there is a comfort there. There is a peace, more
relaxed. And it is a feeling that you want to share. There is a
pride there.
And I hope to be able to honor those who have come before
me, in expressing and giving this pride to others. I think that
President Trump and Secretary Burgum love and appreciate and
respect Indian Country. I think they care. I have sat in
meetings with the President where they weren't public, it
wasn't for a TV reporter. And the authenticity that he has been
able to show, you oftentimes can't put it to words.
Senator Mullin. Right.
Mr. Kirkland. And that is oftentimes how I feel about
Indian Country. And I hope to be able to honor the trust
relationship that the Federal Government is responsible for and
to advance self-determination and tribal sovereignty.
Senator Mullin. And what tribe do you come from?
Mr. Kirkland. Navajo Nation.
Senator Mullin. Navajo. See, I am Cherokee, and I never
knew I was special for being Cherokee until I came to D.C.
Because where I am from, everybody is Indian or wants to be.
And then when I came up here, Tom Cole was the first one
that came up to me and said, congratulations, we just doubled
the size of our Native American caucus. That was back in 2013.
I was like, what do you mean? He was like, well, I am Chickasaw
and you are Cherokee. I said, yeah, we taught you how to read
and write. No, I'm kidding.
And we joked about it because sometimes there is a
misunderstanding. But what they don't understand about Indian
Country, and tell me if I am wrong, is we don't look at the
world through an RD lens. We look at it from our heritage
perspective. Would you agree with that?
Mr. Kirkland. Yes, Senator.
Senator Mullin. And sometimes people that aren't from
Indian Country and they are not Native, they don't understand
it. They don't get it. Because politics is their world. And
they want to make a big difference about it; they want to make
a big thing about it.
But end of day, tribal issues, it is a Federal
responsibility we have. So you can separate the politics out of
it, because we have an obligation. In your role, I have to ask,
are you going to fulfill that obligation?
Mr. Kirkland. Yes, Senator. There is no RD by any tribe's
name. Look, this is, politics are pushed aside on managing or
keeping a trust responsibility or a treaty obligation.
Senator Mullin. That is right.
Mr. Kirkland. This is personal for you and I. These are our
people. These are our tribal, like the Hopi are going to be
different from the Navajo, or the Chickasaw or the Cherokee.
There is a trust relationship that has to be honored between us
and the Federal Government.
Senator Mullin. And it is drastically different. All our
tribes in Oklahoma are going to be all different from the
tribes in the Midwest.
I think one of the coolest things that you have the ability
to do is you get to learn all those different needs. And when
you go in there with a background like yourself, and with
Native people at the front of your mind in any decision you
make, you have an opportunity to actually get to know them and
get to know what their unique challenges are.
I just hope in this Committee that we try to leave the
politics out of it and just put Indian Country first. That is
what our responsibility is here. That is why I think this
Committee is unique. Because if there is ever a committee that
works in a real bipartisan manner, it is this Committee.
And we have to be careful that we don't separate that.
Because as I repeat myself again, we have a Federal obligation.
And regardless if you are Native or you are not, if we are in
this position of authority, if we are in this position to
actually affect that, we just need to understand that, and just
all be in the same boat working together.
So thank you for standing up. Thank you for your family,
too, to going through this with you. Because it is a challenge.
Your ability to continue to stay in the fight for Indian
Country is commendable. So, God bless you.
Mr. Kirkland. Thank you, Senator.
Senator Mullin. Are we finished? Oh, you want me to
recognize you?
STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL,
U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON
Senator Cantwell. Yes, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I so appreciate this hearing for the consideration of your
nomination, Mr. Kirkland. Congratulations on that and to your
family.
Protecting Native communities is one of our most important
trust responsibilities and one of the biggest threats to Indian
Country right now is fentanyl. We have a couple of billboards
here about the problem. Twelve indicted recently in a big drug
enforcement operation on the Yakima Nation. It had so much
fentanyl you could have literally killed everybody as a member
of the Yakima Tribe. We had a similar incident up in Bellingham
a few years ago.
Just this week, the DEA, in partnership with the Yakima
Nation, announced charges against 12 individuals for
trafficking fentanyl on the Yakima Reservation. And in
February, the nation was selected to put this into an Operation
Overdrive investigation.
So over that 120-day operation, DEA worked closely with the
BIA, the Yakima Nation, the Wapato Police Department, to see
7,000 pounds of marijuana, 300 pounds of meth, 25 pounds of
cocaine, 7 pounds of fentanyl, and over 4,700 fentanyl-laced
pills. According to the special agent in charge, as I said, it
would have yielded enough lethal doses to kill everyone in the
whole county.
So this operation also was important to stopping the flow,
and in Yakima County, in the community, it has experienced 19
overdose deaths since February, 12 in March and 12 deaths by
the end of June.
So we are doing everything we can to work together in a
collaborative fashion. And I hope that you will work with us
and my colleague who just left, Senator Markwayne Mullin, on
the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act. This is really
important legislation that helps tribes recruit and retain law
enforcement, allowing them to offer Federal benefits that are
currently available only to State, local and Federal law
enforcement.
So will you commit to work with Senator Mullin and myself
on this legislation and try to get it implemented?
Mr. Kirkland. I look forward to becoming better educated on
all legislation that you and your colleagues are prioritizing,
and specifically on this legislation you speak about. Look
forward to learning more about it and working with you and your
staff.
Senator Cantwell. Okay. If you would take a look at it and
give us a little more specificity before your vote, that would
be great.
Currently, tribal public safety is funded at just 13
percent of the total need. And the President's budget proposes
an additional 15 percent cut to BIA public safety. So that is
why we want to understand where you will be on these programs
and whether you will commit to doing that.
How will you fight back against the Administration and OMB
efforts to shortchange Indian Country? What do you think right
now you can do to help an administration that may not be as
familiar with the impacts of these budget cuts?
Mr. Kirkland. I think the first thing, well, first, again,
let me start by saying thank you, Senator, for the question,
for your work on the Committee and the time that we were able
to share. I know you specifically made an effort to visit with
me. I appreciate that and appreciate the time spent with your
staff as well.
I think when it comes to prioritizing the budget in the
Office of Indian Affairs and how that is allocated throughout
Indian Country, look, there is a trust relationship that is
sacred there. There are treaty obligations that we have to
maintain and uphold. I think that opening up lines of
communication to effectively communicate that is first and
foremost of the most importance.
And collaborating with the tribal leaders to prioritize
what needs they see are the most important, specifically when
it comes to law enforcement and protecting our tribal
communities. I think whatever dollars are allocated toward the
Office of Indian Affairs by Congress, we are going to work to
make sure we get the best investment, whether that is allocated
towards resources or law and order.
I can commit to looking forward to working with you and
your staff to ensure that is done.
Senator Cantwell. Thank you.
On hatchery issues, in the Inflation Reduction Act, we
funded $240 million in hatchery funding for tribes. While you
might think of this as geographic, I can guarantee you my
colleague from Alaska wants more fish production, period.
So I think 27 tribes were deemed eligible to receive $2
million in funding. Many of the eligible tribes have not
received the funding yet. So what will you do to help us get
hatchery dollars out the door?
Mr. Kirkland. Thank you for the question.
Senator Cantwell. This is in BIA particularly.
Mr. Kirkland. I think in terms of BIA in general, I think
that there are a lot of passionate individuals that work there
and career service people that serve Indian Country and love
their jobs. I think that ultimately, though, there are also a
number of protocols and processes that need to be looked at
closely.
We need to find where the bottlenecks are and figure out
how to make them more efficient. When there are vital services
that need to be acted on, when there are funds that have been
approved that need to be pushed out, we need to work together
and make sure those are done in a timely manner.
I think there is no question that there is room for
improvement.
Senator Cantwell. Great. Well, we definitely want to see
those hatchery dollars. And then I am pretty sure you believe
in commitment to a trust and treaty responsibility for those
tribes that have, and in general, government-to-government
responsibilities.
Mr. Kirkland. Yes, ma'am.
Senator Cantwell. Thank you. All right, thank you, Madam
Chair.
Senator Murkowski. [Presiding.] Thank you, Senator
Cantwell.
Mr. Kirkland, we focus a lot on public safety in Indian
Country. In Alaska we have what was described as a rural public
safety crisis. This was Attorney General Barr's own words after
he came to Alaska to visit.
In the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior appropriations bill, I was
able to direct BIA to conduct tribal consultation on the
budgetary needs of tribal law enforcement. This includes
everything from wellness courts, other essential justice needs.
But we asked them to report back on the available funding,
whether it is at DOI or elsewhere for tribes in the PL-280
States.
The BIA did this consultation, so they have done that part
of it. But we still have yet to see the report. So I know you
are not in a position to get that for me, but I would ask that
if you are confirmed, that you can ensure that we get the
report on this consultation.
Because I think it is going to be instructive in terms of,
you mentioned navigating some bottlenecks here with Senator
Cantwell. We are going to need to navigate some bottlenecks,
including those that may be internal to BIA to support public
safety and justice in Alaska. And this report is going to be
very important.
So I just need your commitment, your awareness, you know it
is out there. We have to get it out.
Mr. Kirkland. Yes, Senator. Quite frankly, I don't know why
they would have the consultation if they weren't willing to
provide the outcomes of that, right? The whole goal of a
meaningful consultation is to come to an outcome that works
best for both tribes and the trustee.
I think we definitely can work together to try to figure
out where those reports are and be transparent and get those to
you as quickly as possible.
Senator Murkowski. Okay. We will look for that
expeditiously, then.
We talked a little bit about interagency communication when
you were in my office. The Department of Interior has been the
main department that works directly with tribes and the Native
communities to implement Federal Government trust and treaty
obligations. But as we know, it expands far beyond the
Department of Interior. It is absolutely over in HHS.
Secretary Kennedy is well aware of that in the role that he
has at IHS. But it is across, it is literally across all
departments.
So it was Senator Daines that kind of acknowledged the org
chart within BIA. It is extensive; it is extensive. I was going
to use a word like crazy. It is complex. So being able to work
collaboratively with the Federal agencies and the different
departments, you are going to be overseeing BIA.
But in order to be effective for American Indians, Alaska
Natives, Native Hawaiians, you are going to have to figure out
how you work with the folks in HUD to deal with so many of the
tribal housing issues that we have. You are going to have to be
able to deal with the folks over at HHS in addressing the fact
that when it comes to health care disparities, our statistics
are awful, they are awful among our Native populations in terms
of life expectancy, diseases, things like suicide and substance
abuse.
So I would like to hear just briefly here how you feel, or
whether you feel that it is important to do this kind of
collaboration, or do you just work within your own rather
extensive org chart?
Mr. Kirkland. I think in order to fully advocate for tribal
nations, for our Alaska Natives, ANCs, or even our Native
Hawaiian brothers and sisters, you can't simply silo the
responsibilities of the office to the Department of Interior. I
think that in advocating for all of Indian Country, that
includes working with HUD, that includes working with HHS.
I can say that we ruined the Valentine's Day for the White
House's Office of Inter-Governmental Affairs, because they were
connected with HHS on a number of issues that were coming to
deadlines of importance. Calling the Deputy Secretary over at
HUD, I look forward to doing that, to talk about tribal housing
issues or any concerns that an ANC may have or not have.
So cross-collaboration is something that is a part, it is
not doing anything extra, going above and beyond. It is part of
the duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary.
Senator Murkowski. Well, and your, I guess, background for
this position, Senator Schatz spoke to it a little bit. I think
one of the things that you actually do bring to the table is
having worked within the previous Trump administration.
Basically what we need is somebody at BIA who can pick up
the phone and call a Secretary and say, we have a problem here.
And you know what? This problem has been shoved under the rug
for too many years by too many administrations. Maybe even from
the prior Trump administration. And being able to get the
attention on these matters that have been left to founder for
too long.
I have been on this Committee since I came to the United
States Senate. I think I am probably the longest--maybe I am
not the longest-tenured member. Maybe Senator Inouye was. I
don't know.
But I have been here for a long time. And it troubles me
deeply that we go year after year, we go Congress after
Congress, we go administration after administration and we
wring our hands and we say, we haven't made any headway.
We have been working on water settlements that take 100
years, practically. We are looking at health disparity
statistics that are as bad now as when we started. We are
dealing with issues of poverty and for gosh sakes, basic water
needs.
We look at our educational outcomes. And I don't think it
is because we have people who don't care here in Congress. I
think we care deeply. But there is a frustration with how that
level of caring translates into budgets, because I chair the
Interior Appropriations Committee, but on the authorizing
committee, and then translates into commitment on the ground.
So we need people who are going to carry the burdens of
Native people and the challenges that they have faced
oftentimes for generations, and champion them and get people to
pay attention in the administration.
Because I think you are going to find that the people
behind this dais care deeply about it. You heard the passion in
Senator Lujan's voice. He is not angry at you. I think we are
frustrated because we know the need. And we care about solving
problems.
And we need to know your commitment to solving these
problems with us. And we are counting on you, whether it is
being able to speak directly to the President and capture his
heart on this, or wherever it is in that political landscape
that is out there.
That is more of a comment than a question. But I think that
this is an important part of what you are going to be tasked to
do. So when I ask the question about interagency communication,
it is broader than that. It is not just being able to pick up
the phone and know who to call. It is to be able to put that
urgency to, work with me, let's find a solution that will work.
I want to get a couple more asks from you, then I will turn
to Senator Lujan. But we still have two more votes, believe it
or not, we are bouncing up and down. Next time I will take the
kids, and we will get a little exercise.
[Laughter.]
Senator Murkowski. The Tribal Climate Resilience awards, I
worked pretty hard on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. We had
good investments for Indian Country in that. One of the things
that we were able to include was $216 million for BIA's Tribal
Climate Resilience program.
I described to you the situation in many of our communities
whether it is threats from erosion or thawing permafrost, what
it means to communities like Newtok, Quinhagak, Napakiak, they
are living with these threats every day.
We have heard a lot about the pauses in these awards. We
have reached out to BIA and to the Secretary. We have made some
progress. But we are still continuing to hear about funding
pauses.
So I just need to know that if confirmed, you are going o
be able to work with me, my staff and the staff of all of us
here, as well as those on the Interior Appropriations
Subcommittee, to release these funds. Again, these have been
authorized. We have appropriated to them. You have clear need
out in the communities. And we would like to see them
addressed. So just putting that also on your radar.
Last question for you. Yesterday was a pretty tough day. It
was hard, this rescissions package cut millions of dollars in
different areas, some in global health. But also, a billion
dollars in public broadcasting. As you know, there are real
funds that help tribal and rural public radio stations.
I spoke to an amendment yesterday that was pretty
important. We had just gotten an alert in the afternoon of a
7.3 earthquake that struck off the coast of Alaska around Sand
Point, tsunami alert. And it was public radio that basically
told people, get to higher ground, get out of the way of the
potential tsunami, and then gave them the all clear coming
back.
Our subsistence fishermen that are on the rivers right now,
out in the ocean in Alaska, they are all relying on good things
coming from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. And when I
talk to Alaskans and they are listening to the weather report
that is going to let them know whether they can safely go out
on the fishing grounds, or when they are waiting for the 8:15
a.m. call to find out where the ice jam is on the Yukon and how
far from my village it is going to be, and do I need to get my
snow machine out of the way so that my means of transportation
doesn't get flooded, they don't think that this is some radical
leftist propagandist plot. They say wow, this is like, help me
live through my day.
So I continue to be a strong supporter of what we have with
our public broadcasting and how they broadcast. KYUK has a
program in English and Yup'ik. So it is a great blend to help
continue the language that is so important out there.
A lot of examples you are going to hear from people on this
dais here. But what we know is that there is a promise from the
administration to reallocate funding from the Department of
Interior, from the BIA account, to provide one-time support for
tribal public media stations.
The concern that I have is that is one-time support. We
understand that it is a competitive grant funding program. So
my stations in Alaska, about less than half of them are tribal
stations. Others are not. So they won't have any access to
these grants.
So the little station that advertised the tsunami down in
Unalaska won't have any help or support from this. But others
may.
But the concern that I have is that we are going to have a
situation where you are tasked to find money within the BIA
budget to do this temporary funding for these tribal stations
for one year. But you are going to have to take it out of funds
that have already been either obligated or certainly tribal
entities are relying on this. So we can't have a situation
where it is robbing Peter to pay Paul.
I don't ask you to have a solution, to have an answer for
me now. Obviously this is all very new. It may or may not be
resolved by the time you get through the confirmation process.
But know that from the perspective of where Indian Country
comes down in terms of support for public broadcasting, it is
everyone from NCAI, it is AFN, I have all kinds of letters that
we will submit for the record so that you do have them.
But know that these are important for a host of different
reasons, and I for one in my capacity here and the authorizing
committee and on the appropriating, I am not going to just
settle back and say that so many in our rural areas and in our
tribal communities will not have access to whether it is life-
saving notifications or the opportunity to learn in your Native
heritage language.
If you have any comments on that, I am happy to take them.
Mr. Kirkland. I appreciate your concern and your question.
I fully especially appreciate, I have learned the longer the
question or the statement, the less time I have to reply. So I
appreciate that as well.
[Laughter.]
Mr. Kirkland. I look forward to working with you on this
issue and finding out where things are, learning more about it.
I hope to do it sooner rather than later, because that means I
have been confirmed.
I appreciate your time; I appreciate the questions from the
Committee members who had to run to vote. I know that those are
continuing to rack up. I look forward to, if I am lucky enough
to be confirmed, working with all Committee members. I look
forward to working with the Senator from New Mexico as well,
and his staff.
So I appreciate your time, Senator.
Senator Murkowski. Well, we thank you for coming before the
Committee, for fielding all of our questions. I know that other
members may have questions. We will hold the record open for 24
hours to receive those.
To you and your family, thank you, and you guys have done a
super, super great job. Happy birthday to your dad.
Thank you, and with that, the Committee stands adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 4:19 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]
A P P E N D I X
Prepared Statement of Hon. Ryan Jackson, Acting Chairman, Hoopa Valley
Tribe
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
Thank you for Senator Murkowski's February 5, 2025, letter to
Acting OMB Director Matthew Vaeth that urged him to protect the
integrity of the federal trust relationship with Indian tribes and
enforce the ``statutory authorities, treaty, and/or trust obligations''
of the United States to Indian tribes.
As the Committee on Indian Affairs considers William Kirkland's
nomination to be the Department of the Interior's Assistant Secretary
for Indian Affairs, we request that you seek assurances from Mr.
Kirkland that he will be a voice in the Administration for fair and
full consideration of issues affecting tribal rights and sovereignty.
We make this request with the understanding that the Department of
the Interior includes numerous agencies with policy and funding
objectives that often compete or conflict with the federal trust
responsibility for vested tribal property rights in natural resources
including water, fish, and wildlife, which are vital to our tribe's
customs, traditions, culture and economy.
For example, Forrest Gerard, the first Assistant Secretary for
Indian Affairs, wrote that the establishment of that post represented
an unparalleled opportunity for Indians to influence policy at the
highest levels of the Department. The Assistant Secretary will
participate more in policy formulation in the Office of the Secretary
and will be more directly involved with the Office of Management and
Budget, and the Congress. Never before in the long history of
FederalIndian relations have the head of the Bureau been so
strategically placed within the Executive Branch. \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/17/oa monograph/chapter/3142224/pdf at
page 350.
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Assistant Secretary Gerard then stated what that meant for the
federal trust responsibility.
I am going to take an active rather than a reactive position as
to the trust obligation. And in order to accomplish this we are
going to strengthen the capabilities of the Bureau to deal with
trust responsibilities. This will mean increasing staffing in
the area of natural resource specialists within the office of
trust responsibilities. And I also will work to get additional
staffing in the division of Indian Affairs in the office of the
solicitor. \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Id., at 348-349
Upon President Reagan's appointment of Ross O. Swimmer as the
fourth Assistant Secretary for Indian Affair in 1985, Secretary Donald
Hodel embraced Forrest Gerard's vision of the Assistant Secretary's
role by acting promptly to ensure that the Department would fully
account for its federal trust responsibilities. He advised his senior
staff that any issue affecting Indian Affairs in any Department program
could not be brought to his attention for decision without it first
having been timely reviewed by Assistant Secretary Swimmer in
consultation with the affected tribe or tribes.
We bring this to your attention because an Interior Department
Agency, the Bureau of Reclamation, has devastated fisheries in which
the Hoopa Valley Tribe has vested property rights that the United
States holds in trust. The Bureau's construction and operation of
irrigation projects on the Klamath and Trinity Rivers caused that
damage, notwithstanding statutory protections for the fisheries on
which we have relied since time immemorial.
Note especially that our tribe is the unique beneficiary of an
explicit and specific statutory trust responsibility in federal
reclamation law to restore Trinity River fishery to populations that
existed prior to the construction and operation of the Central Valley
Project's Trinity River Division in California. Central Valley Project
Improvement Act, Public Law 102-57 5 Title XXXIV 3406(b)(23) (1992).
Nonetheless, the Bureau of Reclamation has failed to fulfill that
fiduciary restoration mandate, and the Klamath fishery will be
adversely affected by Secretary Burgum's February 10, 2025, memorandum
rescinding fishery protection measures on the Klamath River. The
Secretary issued that memorandum without first obtaining the advice of
a confirmed Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs or consultation with
our Tribe.
Accordingly, we request you address the following questions to Mr.
Kirkland at his confirmation hearing.
What steps will you take to ensure fair consideration and full
protection of tribal trust resources and sovereignty affected
by Interior Department agencies other than the Bureau of Indian
Affairs?
Will you ask Secretary Burgum to suspend his February 10
decision on the Klamath River fishery until you have been
confirmed, reviewed the matter with the affected tribes in the
Klamath River Basin, and provided Secretary Burgum with your
advice?
Will you ask Secretary Burgum to withhold other decisions that
tribes advise will have adverse impacts on tribal trust
resources until after you are confirmed and have had the chance
to consider them in consultation with the affected Indian
tribes?
Will you ask Secretary Burgum to advise his senior staff that
any issue affecting Indian Affairs in any Department program
shall not be brought to his attention for decision without it
first having been timely reviewed by you in consultation with
the affected tribe or tribe?
Your attention to this request is appreciated.
______
Gila River Indian Community
July 8, 2025
Dear Chair Murkowski and Vice-Chair Schatz:
On behalf of the Gila River Indian Community, I am writing to
express the Community's support for the confirmation of William
Kirkland to serve as Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs at the
Department of the Interior.
The Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs position at the Department
(ASIA) is a critical position for Indian Country. Tribes rely upon the
ASIA to ensure the trust responsibility is carried out throughout the
Department and to provide guidance to the Secretary on tribal programs
and policies.
Mr. Kirkland's prior experience in the White House--
Intergovernmental Office, during President Trump's first term will be
valuable in the ASIA position. Mr. Kirkland interfaced with tribal
governments at a stressful time as Indian Country was working with the
White House to navigate during the pandemic. Through this experience,
Mr. Kirkland developed a sense of the issues facing Indian Country and
how to work together in partnership with tribal leaders to develop
solutions. We think this experience will serve Mr. Kirkland well during
his tenure as Assistant Secretary.
The Department is currently working to implement a number of
Executive Orders issued by the President that impact Indian Country. In
particular, the Department just concluded consultation on Executive
Order 14210--``Implementing the President's Department of Government
Efficiency's Workforce Optimization Initiative.'' Decisions will be
made within the Department about potential realignment of resources,
possible recission recommendations, and staffing that will impact how
the trust responsibility is carried out and how tribal self-
determination will be supported at the Department. The Community
believes it is critical for the Department to have key decisionmakers
confirmed in order for key policy decisions to take into account the
needs of Indian Country.
We look forward to the Committee's nomination hearing on Mr.
Kirkland on July 16th and we hope the Committee can move toward a quick
vote and full Senate confirmation of Mr. Kirkland.
Sincerely,
Hon. Stephen Roe Lewis, Governor
______
The Klamath Tribes
July 25, 2025
Dear Chair Murkowski and Vice-Chair Schatz:
I write today in support of the nomination of Billy Kirkland to
serve as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department
of the Interior. I am thrilled about his nomination and the potential
for him to serve the Trump Administration and Indian Country in this
capacity.
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs plays a vital role in
assisting and advising the Secretary of the Interior in fulfilling the
Department's trust and treaty obligations. Their work necessitates
strengthening the government-to-government/nation-to-nation
relationship between the Federal Government and American Indian and
Alaska Native Tribes, protecting Tribal trust assets, advocating for
policies that uphold and enhance Tribal sovereignty, and administering
the laws, regulations, and functions of the office to all 574 federally
recognized Tribal Nations. I believe Mr. Kirkland demonstrates a strong
ability to succeed in fulfilling these numerous responsibilities, and
his appointment is a step towards enhancing the federal-Tribal
partnership and addressing the pressing needs of our communities.
I am pleased to join many Tribal leaders and Indian organizations
in expressing my wholehearted support for Mr. Kirkland and believe that
he will excel in the role of Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. He
is a proud American and a citizen of the Navajo Nation, with invaluable
policy experience, having previously served as Special Assistant to the
President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs during the
Trump Administration. He has established a strong reputation and
consistently demonstrated his ability to be an effective leader in this
pivotal position.
I look forward to his swift confirmation by the U.S. Senate and
future opportunities to work together on behalf of our Country's
sovereign Tribal Nations.
Sincerely,
Hon. William Ray, Jr., Chairman
______
Oneida Nation
July 19, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski, Chairman Lee, Vice Chairman Schatz and Ranking
Member Heinrich,
On behalf of Oneida Nation, representing 17,200 tribal citizens, I
submit our endorsement of Mr. William ``Billy'' Kirkland's nomination
to serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs.
A citizen of the Navajo Nation, Billy is one of our own and has lived
and breathed the joys and challenges of Indian Country his entire life.
He understands the foundation of tribal sovereignty and respects and
honors Treaties as the supreme law of the land.
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs is the person who will
serve as a steward of the trust relationship between the United States
and Indian tribes. When Billy served in a similar role in the initial
Trump presidential team, he was a tremendous representative engaging in
government-to-government relations with tribes and connecting Tribes
with the appropriate agency across the federal government to help
advocate for our tribes' priorities around public safety, healthcare,
education and economic development. Billy has spent his career as a
public servant, working for Indian Country and assisting communities
that are in dire need. He understands religious freedom and respects
the culture of Tribes, thus having an Assistant Secretary with such
deep experience protecting sacred sites and tribal cultural practices
would be tremendous. I also appreciate his professionalism and
leadership experience. Like Secretary Burgum, he is knowledgeable and
experienced in a broad range of industries including financing,
technology, energy, tribal economic development efforts and navigating
federal permitting challenges.
Although there is confidence in his professionalism and leadership
abilities, there is also an expectation that disagreement will occur.
However, I am confident that he will listen and be ready to offer, or
consider, compromises and creative solutions, and this is exactly the
type of person we need to work with Indian Country. I respectfully
request your consideration and support of his nomination.
With a Good Mind, a Good Heart, and a Strong Fire,
Hon. Tehassi tasi Hill, Chairman
______
Yavapai-Apache Nation
July 23, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski, Chairman Lee, Vice Chairman Schatz and Ranking
Member Heinrich,
On behalf of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, I am pleased to offer our
strong support for the nomination of William ``Billy'' Kirkland to
serve as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.
Billy, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, brings a lifetime of lived
experience and commitment to Tribal Nations. Raised with a deep respect
for Tribal sovereignty and Treaty rights, Billy has spent his career in
public service working to strengthen government-to-government
relationships and deliver results for Indian Country.
During his time in the Trump Administration, Billy was a trusted
advocate who engaged regularly with tribal leaders. He was accessible,
respectful, and consistently helped connect tribes with key federal
decision-makers, especially on issues like public safety, healthcare,
and economic development.
Billy's background also includes significant work on religious
freedom and the protection of sacred sites--issues of critical
importance to our communities. Combined with his experience in
technology, energy, and economic development, he brings a rare and
valuable perspective to this role.
We may not expect agreement on every issue, but we know Billy will
always listen and work in good faith to find solutions that serve
Tribal interests. The Yavapai-Apache Nation offers our full endorsement
and urges his swift confirmation.
Sincerely,
Hon. Tanya Lewis, Chairwoman
______
ANCSA Regional Association (ARA)
July 7, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz,
I write on behalf of the ANCSA Regional Association (ARA) whose
members represent the 12 Alaska Native regional corporations
established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971.
ARA's members collectively serve more than 160,000 Alaska Native
shareholders, descendants, and their families, and are stewards of
millions acres of land in Alaska.
ARA is pleased to support the nomination of William ``Billy''
Kirkland as the 15th Assistant to the Secretary for Indian Affairs at
the Department of the Interior. Many of our members had the opportunity
to work with Mr. Kirkland in his capacity as Special Assistant to the
President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the first
Trump Administration and were impressed by his commitment to American
Indians and Alaska Native peoples.
As a member of the Navajo Nation, Mr. Kirkland will be instrumental
in carrying out the federal government's trust and treaty
responsibilities to tribes and ANCs across Indian country and Alaska.
Alongside several other major Native organizations, ARA urges the
Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to recommend Mr. Kirkland for a full
Senate vote without delay and looks forward to working with him in his
new role.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please contact me
directly if you have any questions about the content of this letter.
Quyana,
Nicole Borromeo, President
______
Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation
July 14, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz,
On behalf of the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, I
am writing to express our support for President Trump's nomination of
William ``Billy'' Kirkland to be the next Assistant Secretary--Indian
Affairs (AS-IA).
The U.S. Department of the Interior carries out a wide range of
programs that were established to effectuate the United States' unique
trust responsibility to Indian tribes and Indian people. These include
law enforcement, natural resources, economic develpment, and social
services, to name a few.
Indian tribes face ongoing challenges to provide for the health and
welfare of their people. the Chehalis Tribe is no exception. The Office
of AS-IA is the tip of the spear for these issues at the Department.
A backlog of pending decisions, including fee-to-trust
applications, has accumulated at the Department that affect Indian
tribes, including matters that will benefit the Chehalis Tribe. Most of
these decisions will remain pending until the AS-IA position is filled.
With each passing day that the AS-IA position remains vacant, Indian
country lacks a Senate-confirmed voice within the Department to
advocate with Department leadership and the Administration on its
behalf.
For these reasons, the Chehalis Tribe urges the Committee to
expeditiously report favorably on his nomination and for the U.S.
Senate to swiftly confirm Mr. Kirkland as Assistant Secretary--Indian
Affairs.
Thank you for the opportunity to express the Tribe's support.
Sincerely,
Hon. Dustin Klatush, Chairman
______
Quechan Indian Tribe
July 10, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz,
On behalf of the Quechan Tribe of the Ft. Yuma Indian Reservation
(``Tribe''), I write to express our strong support for the nomination
of William ``Billy'' Kirkland III, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, as
the next Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. Mr. Kirkland's deep
understanding of tribal governments, extensive leadership experience,
and commitment to upholding tribal sovereignty make him an ideal
candidate for this position.
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs plays a vital role in
advising the Secretary of the Interior and fulfilling the federal
government's trust obligations to tribal nations. It is imperative that
the Assistant Secretary be someone who not only understands the unique
positions of tribal governments but also possesses in-depth knowledge
of the Department of the Interior and the federal government's
responsibilities to Indian Country.
Throughout his career, Mr. Kirkland has demonstrated a strong
commitment to Indian Country. As a citizen of the Navajo Nation, former
Special Assistant to the President, and Deputy Director of
Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Kirkland brings both personal experience
and professional expertise that will be essential to supporting tribal
sovereignty and self-determination.
The Tribe looks forward to engaging with Mr. Kirkland upon his
confirmation to protect and strengthen our government-to-government
relationship and advance policies that support tribal nations. We
remain committed to partnering with the Department of the Interior to
uphold tribal sovereignty and address critical issues facing our
communities.
We respectfully urge you to swiftly confirm Mr. Kirkland so that he
may begin the important work of serving tribes. We appreciate your
attention to this matter and your continued support of tribal nations.
Respectfully,
Hon. Jonathan E. Koteen, President
______
The Navajo Nation
July 15, 2025
Dear Chair Murkowski and Vice Chair Schatz,
On behalf of the Navajo Nation, I write to express support for the
confirmation of William ``Billy'' Kirkland to serve as the Assistant
Secretary of Indian Affairs (AS-IA) in the Department of the Interior
(DOI).
Mr. Kirkland is a member of the Navajo Nation and brings an
understanding of tribal priorities, as well as a lived connection to
the people and lands that the DOI is tasked with serving. His record of
public service and private sector leadership makes him uniquely
qualified to carry out the duties of this important role with vision,
accountability, and respect for the sovereignty of tribal nations.
During his tenure in the Executive Office of President Trump, Mr.
Kirkland played a role in elevating Native voices in the policymaking
process. He assisted greatly in revitalizing the White House Council on
Native American Affairs, and he helped establish direct lines of
communication between tribal leaders and senior federal officials. Mr.
Kirkland's efforts also helped lead to President Trump's historic
``Operation Lady Justice,'' aimed at addressing the longstanding
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis in Indian Country.
Mr. Kirkland's efforts to bridge communication divides extends
beyond his work at the White House. Among other achievements, he helped
establish the Atlanta Braves Native American Working Group, creating
meaningful dialogue between the organization and Native communities to
promote cultural understanding and representation.
The responsibilities of the AS-IA are vast and consequential,
encompassing the effective delivery of services to tribal communities,
the upholding of treaty obligations, and the stewardship of natural and
cultural resources. I am confident that Mr. Kirkland's leadership,
experience, commitment, and cultural grounding will serve all tribes
with integrity, and I look forward to working alongside Mr. Kirkland to
advance essential priorities for all of Indian Country.
We are grateful to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs for
holding the confirmation hearing for Mr. Kirkland, and the Navajo
Nation supports his confirmation. Ahehee' (Thank you).
Sincerely,
Dr. Buu Nygren, President
______
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
March 10, 2025
Dear Chair Murkowski and Vice Chair Schatz,
The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, formerly known as the San
Manuel Band of Mission Indians, supports the nomination of William
``Billy'' Kirkland III to serve as Assistant Secretary for Indian
Affairs at the Department of the Interior. Mr. Kirkland's experience
working for President Trump and on Native American issues make him a
strong candidate for this role.
Given the significant and quick changes being made throughout the
federal government and at the Interior Department, we urge you to
timely consider Mr. Kirkland's nomination. Mr. Kirkland previously
served as the Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of
Intergovernmental Affairs in the White House from 2017 to 2021. During
that time, we found him to be accessible and informative. We believe it
is important that he be confirmed as soon as possible so he can help
tribal governments navigate the many changes that are taking place.
Mr. Kirkland has demonstrated a good understanding of the unique
government-to-government, trust relationship between Native American
Tribes and the federal government. He also understands the challenges
faced by tribal governments and our desire to streamline and lessen the
bureaucracy while upholding the sacred trust responsibility to tribal
nations.
Tribal governments play an important role in our local and regional
economies, and we believe eliminating unnecessary federal regulations,
streamlining federal funding mechanisms, growing economic development,
and strengthening our rights of self-determination enhance our
contributions within our regions. Mr. Kirkland understands these values
and has a record of working collaboratively with tribal leaders on such
issues as education, healthcare, and land management.
We urge you to act quickly and forward the nomination of William
Kirkland to the full Senate for their approval.
Sincerely,
Hon. Lynn R. Valbuena, Chairwoman
______
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
July 15, 2025
Dear Chair Murkowski and Vice Chair Schatz,
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe supports Mr. William ``Billy''
Kirkland's nomination to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Indian
Affairs. His extensive experience and deep knowledge make him an
exceptional candidate for this critical role. As a member of the Navajo
Nation with previous White House experience, Mr. Kirkland possesses a
unique understanding of the challenges Tribes face and has the
necessary leadership skills to navigate the complex relationship
between Tribal Nations and the Federal government.
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs plays a vital role in
assisting the Secretary of the Interior with the Department's trust and
Treaty responsibilities to Federally recognized Tribes and individual
Tribal citizens. When Mr. Kirkland served during President Trump's
first term, he engaged in government-to-government relations with
Tribal Nations and connected Tribal leaders with agency leadership to
help Tribal leadership advocate for priorities on law enforcement,
healthcare, and economic development.
We are pleased to offer our full support for Mr. Kirkland's
nomination and confirmation for Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Hon. Janet Alkire, Chairwoman
______
Koi Nation of Northern California
July 11, 2025
Dear Chair Murkowski and Vice Chair Schatz,
On behalf of the Koi Nation of Northern California Tribal Council
and the citizens of the Koi Nation, I am writing to express my strong
support for the nomination of William Kirkland as Assistant Secretary--
Indian Affairs. Mr. Kirkland's career reflects a commitment to
addressing the pressing needs of Tribal communities. I am confident
that he is uniquely qualified to serve in this critical role.
Throughout his career, Mr. Kirkland has established a reputation
for building bridges and engaging with Tribal leaders. These qualities
are vital to ensuring the federal government meets its trust
responsibilities to Tribal nations while supporting our self-governance
and self-determination.
Moreover, Mr. Kirkland possesses the leadership skills, strategic
vision, and passion necessary to navigate the multifaceted challenges
inherent to Indian Affairs. His experience working alongside Tribal
leaders and his commitment to the sovereignty of Tribal governments
affirm his readiness to take on the responsibilities of Assistant
Secretary.
I am confident that, under his leadership, the Department of
Interior will continue to advance initiatives that honor Tribal
sovereignty, foster sustainable development, and support the
preservation of our cultural lifeways. His appointment would signal a
renewed commitment to addressing the needs and aspirations of Native
American communities with integrity and respect.
I respectfully urge the Committee's support of Mr. Kirkland's
nomination. His expertise, experience, and record of leadership make
him an exemplary candidate for this important position. Thank you for
your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Hon. Darin Beltran, Chairman
______
Hoopa Valley Tribal Council, Hoopa Valley Tribe
February 20, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz,
Thank you for Senator Murkowski's February 5, 2025, letter to
Acting OMB Director Matthew Vaeth that urged him to protect the
integrity of the federal trust relationship with Indian tribes and
enforce the ``statutory authorities, treaty, and/or trust obligations''
of the United States to Indian tribes.
As the Committee on Indian Affairs considers William Kirkland's
nomination to be the Department of the Interior's Assistant Secretary
for Indian Affairs, we request that you seek assurances from Mr.
Kirkland that he will be a voice in the Administration for fair and
full consideration of issues affecting tribal rights and sovereignty.
We make this request with the understanding that the Department of
the Interior includes numerous agencies with policy and funding
objectives that often compete or conflict with the federal trust
responsibility for vested tribal property rights in natural resources
including water, fish, and wildlife, which are vital to our tribe's
customs, traditions, culture and economy.
For example, Forrest Gerard, the first Assistant Secretary for
Indian Affairs, wrote that the establishment of that post represented
an
unparalleled opportunity for Indians to influence policy at the
highest levels of the Department. The Assistant Secretary will
participate more in policy formulation in the Office of the
Secretary and will be more directly involved with the Office of
Management and Budget, and the Congress. Never before in the
long history of Federal-Indian relations have the head of the
Bureau been so strategically placed within the Executive
Branch. \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/17/oa_monograph/chapter/3142224/pdf at
page 350.
Assistant Secretary Gerard then stated what that meant for the
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
federal trust responsibility.
I am going to take an active rather than a reactive position as
to the trust obligation. And in order to accomplish this we are
going to strengthen the capabilities of the Bureau to deal with
trust responsibilities. This will mean increasing staffing in
the area of natural resource specialists within the office of
trust responsibilities. And I also will work to get additional
staffing in the division of Indian Affairs in the office of the
solicitor. \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Id., at 348-349
Upon President Reagan's appointment of Ross O. Swimmer as the
fourth Assistant Secretary for Indian Affair in 1985, Secretary Donald
Hodel embraced Forrest Gerard's vision of the Assistant Secretary's
role by acting promptly to ensure that the Department would fully
account for its federal trust responsibilities. He advised his senior
staff that any issue affecting Indian Affairs in any Department program
could not be brought to his attention for decision without it first
having been timely reviewed by Assistant Secretary Swimmer in
consultation with the affected tribe or tribes.
We bring this to your attention because an Interior Department
Agency, the Bureau of Reclamation, has devastated fisheries in which
the Hoopa Valley Tribe has vested property rights that the United
States holds in trust. The Bureau's construction and operation of
irrigation projects on the Klamath and Trinity Rivers caused that
damage, notwithstanding statutory protections for the fisheries on
which we have relied since time immemorial.
Note especially that our tribe is the unique beneficiary of an
explicit and specific statutory trust responsibility in federal
reclamation law to restore Trinity River fishery to populations that
existed prior to the construction and operation of the Central Valley
Project's Trinity River Division in California. Central Valley Project
Improvement Act, Public Law 102-57 5 Title XXXIV 3406(b)(23) (1992).
Nonetheless, the Bureau of Reclamation has failed to fulfill that
fiduciary restoration mandate, and the Klamath fishery will be
adversely affected by Secretary Burgum's February 10, 2025, memorandum
rescinding fishery protection measures on the Klamath River. The
Secretary issued that memorandum without first obtaining the advice of
a confirmed Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs or consultation with
our Tribe.
Accordingly, we request you address tl1e following questions to Mr.
Kirkland at his confirmation hearing.
What steps will you take to ensure fair consideration and full
protection of tribal trust resources and sovereignty affected
by Interior Department agencies other than the Bureau of Indian
Affairs?
Will you ask Secretary Burgum to suspend his February 10
decision on the Klamath River fishery until you have been
confirmed, reviewed the matter with the affected tribes in the
Klamath River Basin, and provided Secretary Burgum with your
advice?
Will you ask Secretary Burgum to withhold other decisions that
tribes advise will have adverse impacts on tribal trust
resources until after you are confirmed and have had the chance
to consider them in consultation with the affected Indian
tribes?
Will you ask Secretary Burgum to advise his senior staff that
any issue affecting Indian Affairs in any Department program
shall not be brought to his attention for decision without it
first having been timely reviewed by you in consultation with
the affected tribe or tribe?
Your attention to this request is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Hon. Ryan Jackson, Acting Chairman
______
25th Navajo Nation Council
July 14, 2025
Dear Chairwoman Murkowski, Vice Chairman Schatz, Ranking Member
Heinrich, and Senator Lujan,
I write as the Speaker of the 25th Navajo Nation Council to offer
my support for Mr. William ``Billy'' Kirkland's nomination to serve as
the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs based on his
extensive experience and knowledge working at the federal level with
tribal nations across the country. As a citizen of the Navajo Nation,
Mr. Kirkland understands the challenges of many tribes and how to
navigate the complex working relations between the federal government
and tribes.
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs is tasked with
supporting Interior Secretary Doug Burgum as the chief steward of the
trust relationship between the United States and tribes. When Mr.
Kirkland served in a similar role in the previous Trump Administration,
he was a key partner in engaging in government-to-government relations
with tribes. He worked with and connected tribes with key officials and
agencies across the federal government to empower tribes to advocate
for our priorities, significantly on public safety, healthcare, and
economic development. He clearly understands and respects tribal
sovereignty and the importance of treaties. He has spent his career as
a public servant, working for Indian Country and impoverished
communities.
Mr. Kirkland's vast knowledge, experience, and dedication make him
a great candidate to oversee the Indian Affairs. He understands how
tribes can navigate economic development efforts and federal permitting
challenges. His experience over a broad range of industries and
financing is valuable to the Department of the Interior and tribes.
I am pleased to offer my full support for Mr. Kirkland to serve as
Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs. I thank you for
your consideration and look forward to continuing our work together.
Sincerely,
Hon. Crystalyne Curley, Speaker
______
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
July 2, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski, Vice Chair Schatz, and Members of the Senate
Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA),
On behalf of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, we are
writing to express our support for the nomination of William ``Billy''
Kirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, to serve as Assistant
Secretaiy--Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of Interior
(Interior). This position is critical to upholding the federal
government's trust and treaty responsibilities and ensuring the
effective delivery of services to Tribal governments and their members.
During his tenure as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy
Director of Intergovernmental from 2017 to 2021, Mr. Kirkland earned
the trust of many Tribal leaders by listening with respect, responding
to concerns with action, and advocating for Tribal priorities
throughout the administration. His understanding of the government-to-
government relationship between Tribal governments and the United
States federal government, along with his practical experience engaging
directly with Tribal leaders and communities across the country, make
him qualified for this role.
We are confident that Mr. Kirkland will bring his experience and
values to the position of Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs and will
serve Indian Country with integrity and dedication. For these reasons,
we respectfully urge SCIA to approve Mr. Kirkland's nomination.
Sincerely,
Hon. Cole W. Miller, Chairman
______
Osage Minerals Council, Osage Nation
February 21, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
The Osage Minerals Council strongly supports the nomination of
William `` Billy'' Kirkland to be the next the Assistant Secretary for
Indian Affairs within the Department of the Interior. Mr. Kirkland
previously served within the White House as a Special Assistant to
President Trump and as a Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
from 2017 to 2021. Mr. Kirkland knows how to get things done in
Washington, D.C. and, as a member of the Navajo Nation, he understands
the importance of upholding the Federal government's trust and treaty
responsibilities.
The Osage Minerals Council is the elected tribal governing body
recognized under the Osage Allotment Act of June 28, 1906 and the Osage
Nation Constitution to administer, develop, and protect the Osage
Mineral Estate. The Osage Mineral Estate is one of the oldest and
longest producing oil fields in the United States. Maintaining
production of oil and gas resources, overcoming permitting challenges,
and protecting the Osage Mineral Estate are our top priorities.
We look forward to working with Mr. Kirkland to promote efficient
and responsible permitting processes in our work to develop and produce
oil and gas resources within our Osage Mineral Estate. Mr. Kirkland's
own tribe, the Navajo Nation, has extensive experience in energy
development and we believe this experience will help inform Mr.
Kirkland's leadership efforts within Interior and across all the
Federal agencies involved in Indian energy development.
Indian energy must be included in the Administration's Energy
Dominance Agenda and we believe that Mr. Kirkland would be an important
ally and supporter oflndian energy development which benefits our
communities as well as the United States as a whole. We strongly
support Billy Kirkland as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.
Sincerely,
Hon. Myron Red Eagle, Chairman
______
CALISTA CORPORATION
February 21, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
I write in support of the nomination of William ``Billy'' Kirkland
as the Assistant Secretary of Interior for Indian Affairs.
Mr. Kirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, has experience
working in President Trump's first Administration as a Special
Assistant to the President. We are optimistic that, if confirmed, he
will carry out with enthusiasm and effectiveness the federal
government's treaty, trust, and statutory responsibilities on behalf of
American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people and our
nations.
As you know, President Trump has moved quickly on a number of
national initiatives that have had an impact on the federal funding and
services provided to Tribal governments and Native people. We urge you
to move quickly to conduct Mr. Kirkland's confirmation hearing and to
report him favorably to the full Senate. The opportunities and
challenges presented by the new Administration are best addressed if
the President has his team in place as soon as possible, and that
includes Mr. Kirkland.
Quyana (Thank you in Yugtun--the Yup'ik language) for the
opportunity to share this recommendation with you.
Respectfully,
Andrew Guy, President/CEO
______
Forest County Potawatomi Community
February 20, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice-Chairman Schatz:
I am writing on behalf of the Forest County Potawatomi Community
(FCPC) to support the appointment and confirmation of William ``Billy''
Kirkland for Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs within the U.S.
Department of the,lnterior. Mr. Kirkland is a citizen of the Navajo
Nation, which has a long history of working with the United States
toward tribal self-governance and self-determination. Mr. Kirkland also
has experience working in federal service, particularly with the Trump
administration, and will be an important voice to support programs that
impact tribes and tribal citizens.
Mr. Kirkland is well-qualified to be the primary steward of the
United States' trust and treaty obligations to tribes. He served as
Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of
Intergovernmental Affairs from 2017 to 2021, during which he regularly
met with tribal leaders, helping them to navigate the federal
bureaucracy to achieve their goals. Further, Mr. Kirkland has worked
with tribal governments in support of various economic development
enterprises, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the
University of Georgia. We believe this background, along with his
Navajo Nation citizenship, have provided Mr. Kirkland a clear
understanding of the United States' duties and obligations to tribal
nations, which were bargained for in exchange for precious land, water,
and mineral resources that are now largly managed by the Department of
the Interior.
We fully support the confirmation of Billy Kirkland to serve as the
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs within the U.S. Department of the
Interior, and look forward to working with him to advance the interests
of tribal nations across the United States.
Sincerely,
Hon. James A. Crawford, Chairman
______
PORT GAMBLE S'KLALLAM TRIBE
July 7. 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Schatz,
I write today in support of the nomination of Billy Kirkland to
serve as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department
of the Interior. I am thrilled about his nomination and the potential
for him to serve the Trump Administration and Indian Country in this
capacity.
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs plays a vital role in
assisting and advising the Secretary of the Interior in fulfilling the
Department's trust and treaty obligations. Their work necessitates
strengthening the government-to-government/nation-to-nation
relationship between the Federal Government and American Indian and
Alaska Native Tribes, protecting Tribal trust assets, advocating for
policies that uphold and enhance Tribal sovereignty, and administering
the laws, regulations, and functions of the office to all 574 federally
recognized Tribal Nations. I believe Mr. Kirkland demonstrates a strong
ability to succeed in fulfilling these numerous responsibilities, and
his appointment is a step towards enhancing the federal-Tribal
partnership and addressing the pressing needs of our communities.
I am pleased to join many Tribal leaders and Indian organizations
in expressing my wholehearted support for Mr. Kirkland and believe that
he will excel in the role of Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. He
is a proud American and a citizen of the Navajo Nation, with invaluable
policy experience, having previously served as Special Assistant to the
President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs during the
Trump Administration. He has established a strong reputation and
consistently demonstrated his ability to be an effective leader in this
pivotal position.
I look forward to his swift confinnation by the U.S. Senate and
future opportunities to work together on behalf of our Country's
sovereign Tribal Nations.
Sincerely,
Hon. Amber Caldera, Chairwoman
______
Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
July 9, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
On behalf of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, I am writing to
express our strong support for William ``Billy'' Kirkland to be
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior.
Mr. Kirkland has a long and dedicated history supporting Indian tribes
in both the public and private sectors.
An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, Mr. Kirkland understands
the importance of tribal sovereignty, the Federal trust responsibility,
and the importance of the government-to-government relationship the
United States maintains with tribal governments.
Mr. Kirkland served in President Trump's first administration as
the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the White House. In that
role, Mr. Kirkland advanced the President's vision of reducing
bureaucracy, increasing energy dominance, and supporting economic
development in tribal communities. Mr. Kirkland was also a strong
supporter of funding for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
initiative and the creation of Operation Lady Justice in the Department
of the Interior.
Mr. Kirkland's confirmation will complement the leadership team
that President Trump and Secretary Burgum have put in place at the
Department of the Interior. The Lumbee Tribe wholeheartedly endorses
his nomination and encourages the Committee to swiftly move the
nomination to the Senate for final consideration.
Sincerely,
Hon. John L. Lowery, Tribal Chairman
______
Cherokee Nation
July 9, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
I write today on behalf of Cherokee Nation to express the Nation's
support for Senate confirmation of Mr. William ``Billy'' Kirkland as
Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs at the Department of the
Interior. Mr. Kirkland has a long track record of supporting Indian
Tribes both in the public and the private sectors.
Mr. Kirkland is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Mr.
Kirkland understands the importance of tribal sovereignty, the federal
trust responsibility, tribal treaties, and the importance of the
government-to-government relationships between federally recognized
Indian Tribes and the United States. Mr. Kirkland served in President
Trump's first administration and as Special Assistant to the President
and the Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the White
House. In that role, Mr. Kirkland supported the President's vision of
reducing bureaucracy, increasing energy dominance, and supporting
economic development opportunities for Tribes. Mr. Kirkland was a
strong supporter of funding for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
and the creation of Operation Lady Justice at the Department of the
Interior.
Mr. Kirkland's confirmation will complement the excellent
leadership team that President Trump and Secretary Burgum have put in
place at the Department of the Interior. We wholeheartedly endorse his
nomination and encourage his swift confirmation by the United States
Senate for this position of such critical importance to Indian Country.
Sincerely,
Hon. Chuck Hoskin, Jr., Principal Chief
______
FORT INDEPENDENCE INDIAN RESERVATION
June 26, 2025
Dear Madame Chairwoman:
On behalf of the tribal leadership of the Fort Independence Indian
Reservation, I write in support of the nomination of William Kirkland
for the position Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian
Affairs.
Mr. Kirkland is a strong supporter of federal policies regarding
tribal sovereignty and self determination and is extremely well
qualified for this important position. I am confident, Mr. Kirkland
will help foster enhanced relations between the administration and
Indian Country.
On behalf of the Fort Independence Indian Reservation, I
respectfully urge you to confirm Mr. Kirkland's nomination.
Sincerely,
Hon. Carl Dahlberg, Tribal Chairman
______
Big Sandy Rancheria
June 30, 2025
Dear Madame Chairwoman:
On behalf of the tribal leadership of the Big Sandy Band of Western
Mono Indians, I write in support of the nomination of William Kirkland
for Assistant Secretary of the Department of the Interior for Indian
Affairs.
Mr. Kirkland is a strong supporter of federal policies regarding
tribal sovereignty and self determination and is extremely well
qualified for this important position. I am confident, Mr. Kirkland
will help foster enhanced relations between the administration and
Indian Country.
On behalf of the Big Sandy Band of Western Mono Indians, I
respectfully urge you to confirm Mr. Kirkland's nomination.
Sincerely,
Hon. Elizabeth Hutchins, Chairperson
______
Alturas Indian Rancheria
June 26, 2025
Dear Madame Chairwoman:
On behalf of the tribal leadership of the Alturas Indian Rancheria,
I write in support of the nomination of William Kirkland for the
position Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs.
Mr. Kirkland is a strong supporter of federal policies regarding
tribal sovereignty and self determination and is extremely well
qualified for this important position. I am confident, Mr. Kirkland
will help foster enhanced relations between the administration and
Indian Country.
On behalf of the Alturas Indian Rancheria, I respectfully urge you
to confirm Mr. Kirkland's nomination.
Sincerely,
Hon. Phillip Del Rosa, Chairman
______
The Catawba Nation
July 7, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Schatz,
I write today in support of the nomination of Billy Kirkland to
serve as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department
of the Interior. I am thrilled at his nomination and potential to serve
the Trump Administration and Indian Country in this capacity.
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs plays a vital role in
assisting and advising the Secretary of the Interior in fulfilling the
Department's trust and treaty obligations. Their work necessitates
strengthening the government-to-government/nation-to-nation
relationship between the Federal Government and American Indian and
Alaska Native Tribes, protecting Tribal trust assets, advocating for
policies that uphold and enhance Tribal sovereignty, and administering
the laws, regulations, and functions of the office to all 574 federally
recognized Tribal Nations. I believe Mr. Kirkland demonstrates a strong
ability to succeed in fulfilling these responsibilities, and his
appointment is a step towards enhancing the federal-Tribal partnership
and addressing the pressing needs of our communities.
I am pleased to join many Tribal leaders and Indian organizations
in expressing my wholehearted support for Mr. Kirkland and believe that
he will excel in the role of Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. He
is a proud American and a Navajo Nation citizen with invaluable policy
experience, having previously served as Special Assistant to the
President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs during the
previous Trump Administration. He has established a strong reputation
and consistently demonstrated his ability to be an effective leader in
this pivotal position.
I look forward to his swift confirmation by the U.S. Senate and
future opportunities to work together on behalf of our Country's
sovereign Tribal Nations.
Sincerely,
Hon. Brian Harris, Chief
______
Greenville Rancheria
July 7, 2025
Dear Madame Chairwoman:
On behalf of the tribal leadership of the Greenville Rancheria, I
write in support of the nomination of William Kirkland for Assistant
Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs.
Mr. Kirkland is a strong supporter of federal policies regarding
tribal sovereignty and self determination and is extremely well
qualified for this important position. I am confident, Mr. Kirkland
will help foster enhanced relations between the administration and
Indian Country.
On behalf of the Greenville Rancheria, I respectfully urge you to
confirm Mr. Kirkland's nomination.
Sincerely,
Hon. Kyle Self, Chairman
______
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe
July 7, 2025
Dear Madame Chairwoman:
On behalf of the tribal leadership of the Flandreau Santee Sioux
Tribe, I write in support of the nomination of William Kirkland for the
position Secretary of Interior for Indian Affairs.
Mr. Kirkland is a strong supporter of federal policies regarding
tribal sovereignty and self determination and is extremely well
qualified for this important position. I am confident, Mr. Kirkland
will help foster enhanced relations between the administration and
Indian Country.
On behalf of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, I respectfully urge
you to confirm Mr. Kirkland's nomination.
Sincerely,
Hon. Anthony Reider, President
______
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians
June 23, 2025
Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz,
On behalf of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, I am writing to express
our support for the nomination of William Kirkland, a citizen of the
Navajo Nation, to be the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the
Department of the Interior. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe (``MLBO'' or
``Band'') is a federally-recognized, sovereign, and independent Indian
Tribal Government with approximately 5,000 members. The Band is
responsible for providing critical governmental services to Band
members, including programs providing healthcare, public safety, land
management, housing, and education services across its 61,000-acre
Reservation in East-Central Minnesota.
We believe Mr. Kirkland brings leadership experience in areas
relevant to Indian Affairs, having previously served as Special
Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental
Affairs from 2017 to 2021. The Band joins with Navajo Nation President
Buu Nygren in endorsing Mr. Kirkland's nomination given his prior
experience and his broad support throughout Indian Country. His track
record indicates a personal commitment to building and maintaining
strong relationships with Tribal leaders. The Mille Lacs Band is
confident that Kirkland will be the right choice in fulfilling the
treaty and trust responsibilities to Tribal Nations, and in advancing
the enduring federal policies of Indian Self-Determination and Tribal
Self-Governance.
This is the type of supportive leadership that we hope to have in
Washington, D.C. For this reason, we encourage the Senate Committee on
Indian Affairs to swiftly approve the nomination of Mr. Kirkland as
Interior's Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs and to promptly secure
confirmation of his nomination by the full U.S. Senate.
Miigwech,
Hon. Virgil Wind, Chief Executive
______
Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians
June 25, 2025
Dear Members of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for William
``Billy'' Kirkland's nomination as the Assistant Secretary of Indian
Affairs. As someone deeply committed to advancing the welfare of Native
American communities, I am confident that Mr. Kirkland possesses the
expertise, vision, and dedication necessary to effectively serve in
this critical role.
Billy Kirkland has a long and distinguished record of public
service, especially in his work with Indigenous communities. His
experience in both policy and advocacy has provided him with a unique
understanding of the challenges facing Native Americans, as well as the
innovative solutions needed to address these challenges. Throughout his
career, Mr. Kirkland has demonstrated commitment to empowering tribal
governments and advancing economic development, education, and health
initiatives that uplift Native communities.
One of the most impressive aspects of Mr. Kirkland's work is his
ability to build meaningful relationships and collaborate across
diverse sectors. He has proven his capacity to work effectively with
tribal leaders and other stakeholders to promote sustainable and
impactful initiatives.
Billy Kirkland's nomination comes at a time when it is essential to
have a leader in the Department of the Interior who is not only
knowledgeable but also passionate about advancing the interests of
Native communities. I have no doubt that his leadership will continue
to bring forward the progress needed to ensure the wellbeing and
prosperity of Native peoples for generations to come. I strongly urge
the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to confirm Billy. Kirkland as
the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs. His qualifications,
integrity, and commitment to tribal sovereignty make him an outstanding
choice for this important position.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to the
opportunity to see Mr. Kirkland's continued leadership in this vital
role.
Sincerely,
Hon. Tracey Hopkins, Chairwoman
______
Cook Inlet Tribal Council
June 27, 2025
Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
On behalf of Cook Inlet Tribal Council, I am writing to express my
strong support for Mr. William ``Billy'' Kirkland for the position of
Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs at the Department of the
Interior. Mr. Kirkland has a long and dedicated history supporting
Tribes both in the public and private sectors.
Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) is a Tribal nonprofit organization
serving Alaska Native and American Indian people residing in the Cook
Inlet region of southcentral Alaska. Since its creation in 1983, CITC
has developed an extensive array of culturally responsive workforce
development, job placement, education, treatment, and child welfare
programming serving over 10,000 people annually.
Mr. Kirkland is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Mr.
Kirkland understands the importance of Tribal sovereignty, trust
responsibility, and government-to-government relationships. Previously,
Mr. Kirkland served in President Trump's first administration and as
the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the White House. In that
role, Mr. Kirkland supported the President's vision of reducing
bureaucracy, increasing energy dominance, and supporting economic
development opportunities for Tribes. Mr. Kirkland was a strong
supporter of funding for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and the
creation of Operation Lady Justice at the Department of the Interior.
Mr. Kirkland's confirmation will complement the leadership team
that President Trump and Secretary Burgum have put in place at the
Department of the Interior. I wholeheartedly endorse his nomination and
encourage his swift confirmation for this critical position.
If you have any questions or require further information, please do
not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your continued leadership and
commitment to advancing the well-being and sovereignty of Tribal
Nations.
Sincerely,
Hon. Gloria O'Neill, President/CEO
______
MOAPA BAND OF PAIUTES
June 27, 2025
Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
On behalf of the Moapa Band of Paiutes, I am writing to express my
strong support for Mr. William ``Billy'' Kirkland for the position of
Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs at the Department of the
Interior. Mr. Kirkland has a long and dedicated history supporting
tribes both in the public and private sectors.
Mr. Kirkland is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Mr.
Kirkland understands the importance of tribal sovereignty, trust
responsibility, and the importance of government-to-government
relationships. Previously, Mr. Kirkland served in President Trump's
first administration and as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
for the White House. In that role, Mr. Kirkland supported the
President's vision of reducing bureaucracy, increasing energy
dominance, and supporting economic development opportunities for
Tribes. Mr. Kirkland was a strong supporter of funding for Missing and
Murdered Indigenous Women and the creation of Operation Lady Justice at
the Department of the Interior.
Mr. Kirkland's confirmation will complement the leadership team
that President Trump and Secretary Burgum have put in place at the
Department of the Interior. I wholeheartedly endorse his nomination and
encourage his swift confirmation for this critical position.
Sincerely,
Hon. Mario Monroe, Tribal Chairman
______
Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake
June 19, 2025
Dear Chairwoman Murkowski:
The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake is a federally recognized Indian
tribe located in a remote, rural area of California. We have emerged
from an attempted termination under the California Rancheria Act to be
an economic leader in our rural community reinjecting millions of
dollars into a community and region that has traditionally been one of
the poorest in California. As a nearly terminated tribe, our
interactions with the Bureau of Indian Affairs are an integral aspect
of rebuilding our nation.
We have carefully reviewed the qualifications and past actions of
William ``Billy'' Kirkland. After that review, our Executive Council
(the elected governing body of our tribe) unanimously supports his
appointment as the Assistant Secretary of the Interior--Indian Affairs
(ASIA) at the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). We have determined
that as a citizen of the Navajo Nation with a unique blend of federal
experience, business insight. and tribal knowledge, Mr. Kirkland will
bring a perspective to the ASIA position that will benefit our Tribe
and all of Indian Country.
Mr. Kirkland's prior service in the White House and his
demonstrated commitment to maintaining open lines of communication with
Tribal Nations show that he understands the importance of trust,
sovereignty, and government-to-government engagement. Indian Country
faces complex challenges, and it is encouraging to see the nomination
of someone who not only has direct tribal connections, but also a
proven track record of high-levelservice and outreach. We are confident
that Mr. Kirkland will bring stable leadership, thoughtful direction,
and a collaborative spirit to the role--qualities that are essential
for advancing self-determination, upholding tribal sovereignty, and
strengthening the federal-tribal relationship.
We urge the Committee to move forward with this nomination without
delay. The position of Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs is too
important to remain vacant at a time when Indian Country needs strong,
steady leadership.
Sincerely,
Hon. Danielle Cirelli, Chairperson
______
Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope
June 24, 2025
Dear Chair Murkowski, Vice Chair Schatz, and Members of the Senate
Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA),
On behalf of the Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope (ICAS), we
are writing to support the nomination of William ``Billy'' Kirkland to
serve as Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of
Interior (Interior). This position is critical to upholding the federal
government's trust and treaty responsibilities and ensuring the
effective delivery of services to Tribal governments and their members.
As a member of the Navajo Nation, Mr. Kirkland understands firsthand
the importance of this position.
ICAS appreciated the commitment Mr. Kirkland had to Indian Country
throughout his tenure as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy
Director of Intergovernmental Affairs from 2017 to 2021. Mr. Kirkland
listened to Tribes with respect, responded to concerns with action, and
advocated the views of Indian Country to the President and throughout
the federal government.
As Tribal governments continue to face significant challenges and
opportunities--from land and resource stewardship to economic
development--leadership that is responsive, experienced, and grounded
in respect for Tribal sovereignty is more important than ever. We are
confident that Mr. Kirkland has the experience, skills, and values
required to effectively serve as Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
For this reason, we respectfully urge SCIA to approve Mr. Kirkland's
nomination.
Sincerely,
Hon. Nicole Wojciechowski, President
______
Kiowa Tribe
June 24, 2025
Dear Chairwoman Murkowski;
On behalf of the Kiowa Executive Branch, I write in support of the
nomination of William Kirkland for the position of Assistant Secretary
for Indian Affairs.
Mr. Kirkland is a strong supporter of federal policies regarding
tribal sovereignty and self-determination and is extremely well
qualified for this important position. The Kiowa Tribe Executive Branch
is confident Mr. Kirkland will help foster enhanced relations between
the Tribal Nation Governments, the Trump Administration, and Congress.
I respectfully urge you to confirm the nomination of Mr. Kirkland.
Sincerely,
Hon. David Sullivan, Vice Chairman
______
QUAPAW NATION
June 24, 2025
Dear Madame Chairwoman,
We write to you today to offer our strong support for Mr. William
Kirkland's nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary for Indian
Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior. Mr. Kirkland brings
with him a deep understanding of Indian Country, grounded experience
working with Tribal Nations, and a lifelong commitment to advancing the
sovereignty, rights, and well-being of Native peoples.
Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Kirkland has demonstrated
the vision, leadership, and diplomacy required for this critical role.
He has built meaningful relationships with Tribal leaders, listened to
diverse perspectives across Indian Country, and consistently advocated
for policies that honor Tribal sovereignty and foster self-
determination. His integrity, cultural awareness, and strong
administrative skills make him uniquely qualified to serve in this
capacity.
Indian Country deserves leadership that understands the complex
challenges our communities face: from protecting treaty rights and
improving infrastructure to strengthening Tribal governments and
supporting the next generation. Mr. Kirkland has not only shown his
capacity to meet these challenges, but has done so with humility and
collaboration.
On behalf of the Quapaw Nation, we respectfully urge you to support
and advance Mr. Kirkland's confirmation. His appointment would bring a
principled, knowledgeable, and dedicated leader to the Bureau of Indian
Affairs, someone Indian Country can trust to move us forward with
respect and partnership.
Thank you for your continued advocacy for Alaska Native and
American Indian communities, and your thoughtful consideration of this
important nomination.
Sincerely,
Hon. Kathryn Wena Supernaw, Chair
______
Gabrielino/Tongva Nation
June 20, 2025
Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
On behalf of the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation, I am writing to express
my strong support for Mr. William ``Billy'' Kirkland for the position
of Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs at the Department of the
Interior. Mr. Kirkland has a long and dedicated history supporting
tribes both in the public and private sectors.
Mr. Kirkland is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Mr.
Kirkland understands the importance of tribal sovereignty, trust
responsibility, and the importance of government-to-government
relationships. Previously, Mr. Kirkland served in President Trump's
first administration and as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
for the White House. In that role, Mr. Kirkland supported the
President's vision of reducing bureaucracy, increasing energy
dominance, and supporting economic development opportunities for
Tribes. Mr. Kirkland was a strong supporter of funding for Missing and
Murdered Indigenous Women and the creation of Operation Lady Justice at
the Department of the Interior.
Mr. Kirkland's confirmation will complement the leadership team
that President Trump and Secretary Burgum have put in place at the
Department of the Interior. I wholeheartedly endorse his nomination and
encourage his swift confirmation for this critical position.
Sincerely,
Hon. Sandonne Goad, Tribal Council Chairwoman
______
SCHAGHTICOKE TRIBAL NATION
June 24, 2025
Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
On behalf of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, I am writing to
express my strong support for Mr. Wiltiam ``Billy'' Kirkland for the
position of Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs at the Department of
the Interior. Mr. Kirkland has a long and dedicated history supporting
tribes both in the public and private sectors.
Mr. Kirkland is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Mr.
Kirkland understands the importance of tribal sovereignty, trust
responsibility, and the importance of government-to-government
relationships. Previously, Mr. Kirkland served in President Trump's
first administration and as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
for the White House, in that role, Mr. Kirkland supported the
President's vision of reducing bureaucracy, increasing energy
dominance, and supporting economic development opportunities for
Tribes. Mr. Kirkland was a strong supporter of funding for Missing and
Murdered Indigenous Women and the creation of Operation Lady Justice at
the Department of the Interior.
Mr. Kirkland's confirmation will complement the leadership team
that President Trump and Secretary Burgum have put in place at the
Department of the Interior. I wholeheartedly endorse his nomination and
encourage his swift confirmation for this critical position.
Sincerely,
Hon. Richard Velky, Chief
______
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
June 20, 2025
Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
On behalf of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, I am
writing to express my strong support for Mr. Wiltiam ``Billy'' Kirkland
for the position of Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs at the
Department of the Interior. Mr. Kirkland has a long and dedicated
history supporting tribes both in the public and private sectors.
Mr. Kirkland is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Mr.
Kirkland understands the importance of tribal sovereignty, trust
responsibility, and the importance of government-to-government
relationships. Previously, Mr. Kirkland served in President Trump's
first administration and as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
for the White House, in that role, Mr. Kirkland supported the
President's vision of reducing bureaucracy, increasing energy
dominance, and supporting economic development opportunities for
Tribes. Mr. Kirkland was a strong supporter of funding for Missing and
Murdered Indigenous Women and the creation of Operation Lady Justice at
the Department of the Interior.
Mr. Kirkland's confirmation will complement the leadership team
that President Trump and Secretary Burgum have put in place at the
Department of the Interior. I wholeheartedly endorse his nomination and
encourage his swift confirmation for this critical position.
Sincerely,
Hon. Jamie S. Azure, Tribal Chairman
______
Tunica-Biloxi Tribe
June 20, 2025
Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz,
On behalf of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, I write to
express my full support for the nomination of Mr. William ``Billy''
Kirkland to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the
U.S. Department of the Interior.
Mr. Kirkland is not only a dedicated public servant, but a man who
understands what it means to work with Indian Country, not just for it.
As an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, he carries with him lived
experience and an appreciation for the challenges and opportunities
that tribal nations face every day. He has consistently demonstrated a
deep respect for tribal sovereignty, the federal trust responsibility,
and the importance of meaningful government-to-government
relationships.
During his prior service in the Trump Administration, including his
time as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House, Mr.
Kirkland was a reliable and effective partner to tribal leaders.
Whether advancing economic development, addressing the crisis of
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, or advocating for streamlined
access to federal programs, he worked to ensure that tribes were heard,
respected, and empowered.
This nomination represents not just a personnel decision, but an
opportunity to continue building a team at the Department of the
Interior that understands the unique political and cultural status of
tribal nations. Mr. Kirkland's leadership, experience, and trust within
Indian Country will be an asset to the Department and to this
Administration. I urge the Committee to move swiftly in confirming Mr.
Kirkland to this critical position. Indian Country deserves strong,
principled leadership--and we see that in Billy Kirkland.
With sincere respect,
Hon. Marshall Pierite, Chairman/CEO
______
Osage Nation
June 23, 2025
Dear Chairwoman Murkoswki:
As Principal Chief of the Osage Nation, I write in support of the
nomination of William Kirkland for the position of Assistant Secretary
for Indian Affairs.
Mr. Kirkland is a strong supporter of federal policies regarding
tribal sovereignty and self-determination and is extremely well
qualified for this important position. I am confident Mr. Kirkland will
help foster enhanced relations between the tribal nation governments
and the administration and congress.
I respectfully urge you to confirm the nomination of Mr. Kirkland.
Sincerely,
Hon. Geoffrey M. Standing Bear, Principal Chief
______
Tara M. Sweeney
June 20, 2025
Dear Chair Murkowski and Distinguished Members of the U.S. Senate
Committee on Indian Affairs:
I am writing in support of William ``Billy'' Kirkland's nomination
by President Trump to be the 15th Assistant Secretary for Indian
Affairs within the Department of the Interior.
Mr. Kirkland has extensive experience with the Trump
Administration, serving in the first Trump Administration (45) as the
Special Assistant to the President of the United States, as well as his
role as Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White
House.
These public service roles provided Mr. Kirkland with a greater
understanding of the federal policies impacting Indian Country and
Alaska Native communities.
Further, I appreciate Mr. Kirkland's genuine desire to understand
the complexities of Alaska Native peoples, communities and governance.
William understands that it is not effective to apply a one-size-fits-
all approach to federal Indian policy, and that he will be a strong
voice inside the Trump Administration for all of Indian Country and
Alaska Natives.
I join the chorus of Native and congressional leaders across the
United States applauding President Trump for nominating William
Kirkland.
Mr. Kirkland has a strong team surrounding him at the Department of
the Interior with Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Scott Davis and
Deputy Assistant Secretary Ken Bellmard. His leadership will compliment
Secretary Burgum and President Trump's initiatives to empower Native
American communities.
Further, I believe they will continue to work on policy that
promotes tribal sovereignty, and responsibly and respectfully uphold
the treaty and trust obligations the Department of the Interior has
with Indian Country.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my support for Mr. Kirkland
with the committee. The Indian Affairs hallway needs a complete team in
order to effectively serve our Native peoples. Approving his nomination
is one step closer to strengthening Indian Affairs.
Quyanaqpak,
Hon. Tara M. Sweeney, 13th Assistant Secretary--Indian
AIairs
______
COLT COALITION OF LARGE TRIBES
February 4, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski, Chairman Lee, Vice Chairman Schatz and Ranking
Member Heinrich,
I write as Chairman of the Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT)--an
intertribal organization representing the interests of the more than 50
tribes with reservations of 100,000 acres or more, encompassing more
than 95 percent of the Indian Country lands and more than half the
Native American population--to deliver COLT's enthusiastic endorsement
of Mr. William ``Billy'' Kirkland's nomination to serve as the
Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs. A citizen of
the Navajo Nation, Billy is one of our own and has lived and breathed
the joys and challenges of large land base tribes his entire life. From
the cradle, he has learned to respect and honor Treaties as the supreme
law of the land. From our perspective, there is no better nominee to
serve Indian Country in this pivotal role.
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs is the person who will
support Secretary Burgum as the chief steward of the trust relationship
between the United States and Indian tribes. When Billy served in a
similar role in the first Trump White House team, Billy was a
tremendous representative for the President in engaging in government-
to-government relations with tribes. COLT tribal leaders dealt with him
often. He was accessible. He was helpful. He was a good listener.
Importantly, he was also always able to connect us with the right folks
across the federal government to help us advocate for our tribes'
priorities, significantly on public safety, healthcare and economic
development. He clearly understands and respects tribal sovereignty and
Treaties. He has spent his career as a public servant, working for
Indian Country and other poor communities. One issue to which he has
given a great deal of his time, and which COLT also strongly supports
as a priority, is religious freedom. Having an Assistant Secretary with
such deep experience on protecting sacred sites and tribal cultural
practices would be tremendous.
COLT is thrilled to see Billy nominated to the Secretary's Office.
He is someone in whom we have complete trust and confidence. We do not
expect him to always agree with every position a tribe or tribes might
advance, but we know he will listen and be ready to offer compromises
and creative solutions to do absolutely the best he can for tribes.
We also appreciate his professional and leadership experience. Like
Secretary Burgum, Billy too knows technology and he knows energy. He
has lived tribal economic development efforts and understands
navigating federal permitting challenges. Billy is always about lifting
up others. His experience over a broad range of industries and
financing deals is a rare and valuable set of skills. He is exactly the
kind of leader tribes need at the Interior Department.
Billy Kirkland has COLT's highest recommendation and endorsement to
serve as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs.
Very Respectfully,
Hon J Garret Renville, COLT Chairman; Chairman, Sisseton-
Wahpeton Oyate, Lake Traverse Reservation
______
United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
March 24, 2025
Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Shatz:
Siyo!
I write on behalf of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
in Oklahoma, a federally recognized Tribe comprising traditional
Cherokee People with headquarters on the Cherokee Reservation in
northeastern Oklahoma. We applaud President Trump for the nomination of
William ``Billy'' Kirkland to serve as Assistant Secretary--Indian
Affairs.
We look forward to working with President Trump, Secretary Burgum
and, upon his confirmation, Assistant Secretary Kirkland, and this
Committee as we all strive to achieve self-determination and financial
independence in Indian Country.
We respectfully urge the Committee to advance Mr. Kirkland's
confirmation as soon as practicable. Wado!
Respectfully,
Hon. Jeff Wacoche, Chief
______
COW CREEK BAND OF UMPQUA TRIBE OF INDIANS
March 18, 2025
Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Brian Schatz:
I write on behalf of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians
in support of William ``Billy'' Kirkland to serve as the next U.S.
Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs. We
are pleased by his nomination to serve the Trump Administration and
Tribal nations in this capacity.
The Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs is charged with ensuring
that the United States upholds its trust and treaty responsibilities to
Tribal nations. That includes fostering Tribal economic development
within a Tribe's aboriginal and reservation homelands, and protecting
against territorial or other encroachments that interfere with a
Tribe's efforts towards self-reliance.
We look forward to Mr. Kirkland's swift confirmation by the U.S.
Senate and to working with him to protect Tribal homelands and improve
the daily lives of Cow Creek Tribal citizens.
Sincerely,
Hon. Carla Keene, Chairman
______
Kootenai Tribe of Idaho
February 26, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
On behalf of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, I write in support of the
nomination of William ``Billy'' Kirkland as the Assistant Secretary of
Interior for Indian Affairs.
Mr. Kirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, has experience
working in President Trump's first Administration as a Special
Assistant to the President. We are optimistic that, if confirmed, he
will carry out with enthusiasm and effectiveness the federal
government's treaty, trust, and statutory responsibilities on behalf of
American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people and our
nations.
As you know, President Trump has moved quickly on a number of
national initiatives that have had an impact on the federal funding and
services provided to Tribal governments and Native people. We urge you
to move quickly to conduct Mr. Kirkland's confirmation hearing and to
report him favorably to the full Senate. The opportunities and
challenges presented by the new Administration are best addressed if
the President has his team in place as soon as possible, and that
includes Mr. Kirkland.
Thank you for the opportunity to share this recommendation with
you.
Sincerely,
Hon. Jennifer Porter, Chairwoman
______
LUMMI INDIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL
March 7, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
On behalf of the Chairman of Lummi Nation, I write in support of
the nomination of William ``Billy'' Kirkland as the Assistant Secretary
of Interior for Indian Affairs.
Mr. Kirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, has experience
working in President Trump's first Administration as a Special
Assistant to the President. We are optimistic that, if confirmed, he
will carry out with enthusiasm and effectiveness the federal
government's treaty, trust, and statutory responsibilities on behalf of
American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people and our
nations.
As you know, President Trump has moved quickly on a number of
national initiatives that have had an impact on the federal funding and
services provided to Tribal governments and Native people. We urge you
to move quickly to conduct Mr. Kirkland's confirmation hearing and to
report him favorably to the full Senate. The opportunities and
challenges presented by the new Administration are best addressed if
the President has his team in place as soon as possible, and that
includes Mr. Kirkland.
Thank you for the opportunity to share this recommendation with
you.
Sincerely,
Hon. Anthony (Tony) Hillaire, Chairman, Lummi Nation
______
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
February 21, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
On behalf of Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, I write in support of
the nomination of William ``Billy'' Kirkland as the Assistant Secretary
of Interior for Indian Affairs.
Mr. Kirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, has experience
working in President Trump's first Administration as a Special
Assistant to the President. We are optimistic that, if confirmed, he
will carry out with enthusiasm and effectiveness the federal
government's treaty, trust, and statutory responsibilities on behalf of
American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people and our
nations.
As you know, President Trump has moved quickly on a number of
national initiatives that have had an impact on the federal funding and
services provided to Tribal governments and Native people. We urge you
to move quickly to conduct Mr. Kirkland's confirmation hearing and to
report him favorably to the full Senate. The opportunities and
challenges presented by the new Administration are best addressed if
the President has his team in place as soon as possible, and that
includes Mr. Kirkland.
Thank you for the opportunity to share this recommendation with
you
Sincerely,
Hon. Joseph P. Rupnick, Tribal Council Chairman
______
Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
February 20, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
On behalf of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, I write in
support of the nomination of William ``Billy'' Kirkland as the
Assistant Secretary of Interior for Indian Affairs.
Mr. Kirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, has experience
working in President Trump's first Administration as a Special
Assistant to the President. We are optimistic that, if confirmed, he
will carry out with enthusiasm and effectiveness the federal
government's treaty, trust, and statutory responsibilities on behalf of
American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people and our
nations.
As you know, President Trump has moved quickly on a number of
national initiatives that have had an impact on the federal funding and
services provided to Tribal governments and Native people. We urge you
to move quickly to conduct Mr. Kirkland's confirmation hearing and to
report him favorably to the full Senate. The opportunities and
challenges presented by the new Administration are best addressed if
the President has his team in place as soon as possible, and that
includes Mr. Kirkland.
Thank you for the opportunity to share this recommendation with
you
Sincerely,
Hon. Estavio Elizondo, Sr., Chairman
______
Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation
March 20, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
On behalf of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, we are writing to express
our support of the nomination of William ``Billy'' Kirkland as the
Assistant Secretary of Interior for Indian Affairs. We are pleased by
his nomination and believe his experience will be valuable in this
crucial role.
The Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs is charged with ensuring
that the United States upholds its trust and treaty responsibilities to
Tribal nations. That includes fostering Tribal economic development
within a Tribe's aboriginal and reservation homelands, and protecting
against territorial or other encroachments that interfere with a
Tribe's efforts towards self-reliance.
Mr. Kirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, has previously served
as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of
Intergovernmental Affairs from 2017 to 2021. In this role, he served as
a direct point of contact for tribal governments and was instrumental
in giving tribal leaders a voice on critical issues.
We are optimistic that, if confirmed, he will carry out with
enthusiasm and effectiveness the federal government's treaty, trust,
and statutory responsibilities on behalf of American Indian, Alaska
Native, and Native Hawaiian people and our nations.
The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation looks forward to the opportunity to work
collaboratively with Mr. Kirkland upon his confirmation to protect our
tribal sovereignty and advance the goals of our Citizens. We believe
his commitment to engaging with Indian Country will be beneficial for
all tribal nations.
Thank you for your consideration of our support for William
``Billy'' Kirkland III.
Sincerely,
Hon. Jeri Lynn Thompson, Chairperson
______
SANTA ROSA RANCHERIA TACHI YOKUT TRIBE
March 20, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
On behalf of the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe
(``Tribe''), I write to express our strong support for the nomination
of William ``Billy'' Kirkland III, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, as
the next Assistant Secretaiy for Indian Affairs. Mr. Kirkland's deep
understanding of tribal governments, extensive leadership experience,
and commitment to upholding tribal sovereignty make him an ideal
candidate for this position.
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs plays a vital role in
advising the Secretary of the Interior and fulfilling the federal
government's trust obligations to tribal nations. It is imperative that
the Assistant Secretaiy be someone who not only understands the unique
positions of tribal governments but also possesses in-depth knowledge
of the Department of the Interior and the federal government's
responsibilities to Indian Country.
Throughout his career, Mr. Kirkland has demonstrated a strong
commitment to Indian Country. As a citizen of the Navajo Nation, former
Special Assistant to the President, and Deputy Director of
Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Kirkland brings both personal experience
and professional expertise that will be essential to supporting tribal
sovereignty and self-determination.
The Tribe looks forward to engaging with Mr. Kirkland upon his
confirmation to protect and strengthen our government-to-government
relationship and advance policies that support tribal nations. We
remain committed to partnering with the Department of the Interior to
uphold tribal sovereignty and address critical issues facing our
communities.
We respectfully urge you to swiftly confirm Mr. Kirkland so that he
may begin the important work of serving tribes. We appreciate your
attention to this matter and your continued support of tribal nations.
Respectfully,
Hon. Leo Sisco, Chairman
______
Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians
March 17, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
On behalf of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians (``Tribe''), I
write to express our strong support for the nomination of William
``Billy'' Kirkland III, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, as the next
Assistant Secretaiy for Indian Affairs. Mr. Kirkland's deep
understanding of tribal governments, extensive leadership experience,
and commitment to upholding tribal sovereignty make him an ideal
candidate for this position.
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs plays a vital role in
advising the Secretary of the Interior and fulfilling the federal
government's trust obligations to tribal nations. It is imperative that
the Assistant Secretaiy be someone who not only understands the unique
positions of tribal governments but also possesses in-depth knowledge
of the Department of the Interior and the federal government's
responsibilities to Indian Country.
Throughout his career, Mr. Kirkland has demonstrated a strong
commitment to Indian Country. As a citizen of the Navajo Nation, former
Special Assistant to the President, and Deputy Director of
Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Kirkland brings both personal experience
and professional expertise that will be essential to supporting tribal
sovereignty and self-determination.
The Tribe looks forward to engaging with Mr. Kirkland upon his
confirmation to protect and strengthen our government-to-government
relationship and advance policies that support tribal nations. We
remain committed to partnering with the Department of the Interior to
uphold tribal sovereignty and address critical issues facing our
communities.
We respectfully urge you to swiftly confirm Mr. Kirkland so that he
may begin the important work of serving tribes. We appreciate your
attention to this matter and your continued support of tribal nations.
Respectfully,
Hon. John Shotton, Chairman
______
Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians
March 17, 2025
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:
On behalf of the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians (``Tribe''), I
write to express our strong support for the nomination of William
``Billy'' Kirkland III, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, as the next
Assistant Secretaiy for Indian Affairs. Mr. Kirkland's deep
understanding of tribal governments, extensive leadership experience,
and commitment to upholding tribal sovereignty make him an ideal
candidate for this position.
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs plays a vital role in
advising the Secretary of the Interior and fulfilling the federal
government's trust obligations to tribal nations. It is imperative that
the Assistant Secretaiy be someone who not only understands the unique
positions of tribal governments but also possesses in-depth knowledge
of the Department of the Interior and the federal government's
responsibilities to Indian Country.
Throughout his career, Mr. Kirkland has demonstrated a strong
commitment to Indian Country. As a citizen of the Navajo Nation, former
Special Assistant to the President, and Deputy Director of
Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Kirkland brings both personal experience
and professional expertise that will be essential to supporting tribal
sovereignty and self-determination.
The Tribe looks forward to engaging with Mr. Kirkland upon his
confirmation to protect and strengthen our government-to-government
relationship and advance policies that support tribal nations. We
remain committed to partnering with the Department of the Interior to
uphold tribal sovereignty and address critical issues facing our
communities.
We respectfully urge you to swiftly confirm Mr. Kirkland so that he
may begin the important work of serving tribes. We appreciate your
attention to this matter and your continued support of tribal nations.
Respectfully,
Hon. Flaman McCloud Jr., Chairman
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Mike Rounds to
William ``Billy'' Kirkland
Question 1. Mr. Kirkland, in your testimony you mentioned that you
wanted to engage with this committee as well as other tribal
stakeholders on issues impacting Indian Country, if confirmed, as part
of your listening tour will you commit to visiting South Dakota?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to visiting with you and
engaging with Tribes in South Dakota.
Question 2. Mr. Kirkland, under the Biden administration, the
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) maintained that the agency would need
$1.7 billion to fully staff tribal law enforcement agencies. Whether or
not this figure is accurate, it is clear there are real funding
challenges.
In FY24 Congress appropriated $553 million to the BIA for Public
Safety and Justice operations. But from this, South Dakota tribes
received $19.5 million for criminal investigations and police services.
To put this in perspective, under the current continuing resolution,
for every dollar appropriated to the BIA for Public Safety and Justice
operations, South Dakota tribes receive 3.53 pennies. At the same time,
a disproportionate percentage of crime is committed in the Great Plains
Region and according to the FBI, South Dakota tribes face some of the
highest crime rates in the nation.
This stems from an outdated and antiquated funding formula used by
BIA, one that fails to take into account the serious public safety
threats faced by our tribes in South Dakota. Mr. Kirkland, can I have
your commitment to review how BIA allocates Public Safety funds to make
sure we are supporting tribes with the greatest need?
Answer. I recognize the challenges involved in policing within
Indian Country and am committed to ensuring high-quality services so
that we maintain safe Indian Country communities. As I am not at the
Department, I am not familiar with the allocation formulas for Public
Safety and Justice operations. But if confirmed, I commit to learning
more about this issue and to work with the committee on ensuring that
funds are efficiently and effectively allocated.
Question 3. Mr. Kirkland, compounding these issues is the
requirement that nearly all prospective tribal officers, including
direct service and 638 officers, are required to receive training at
the Indian Police Academy (IPA) in Artesia, New Mexico. In recent
conversations with tribal police chiefs, it has become apparent the
requirement to send prospective officers to the IPA has hampered
recruitment efforts on the Great Plains. Are you willing to consider
the creation of an additional facility in the Great Plains?
Answer. If confirmed, I will get up to speed on this and look
forward to working with you on finding ways to address public safety in
Indian Country.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Brian Schatz to
William ``Billy'' Kirkland
Question 1. You noted that you have provided campaign and strategic
consulting services for several state and national clients. At any
point during your time as a consultant in private practice, did you
handle any matter(s) related to Tribes? If yes, please describe.
Answer. As I noted at my hearing, my prior experience in the White
House, in business, and in government relations has given me the unique
tools to serve all Indian Country, Alaska Natives, ANCs and Native
Hawaiians. I am honored to be nominated for this position, and if
confirmed, I will use my experience both inside and out of government
to deliver for Indian Country.
Question 2. At any point during your service at the White House as
Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Assistant to
the President, did you handle any matter(s) related to Tribes? If yes,
please describe
Answer. During my time in the White House, I was proud to work
closely with the Department of the Interior and the Office of Indian
Affairs on a range of issues. Our administration was the first to
formally recognize the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
President Trump issued an Executive Order establishing Operation Lady
Justice and later issued a proclamation on Missing and Murdered
American Indians and Alaska Natives and signed Savanna's Act and the
Not Invisible Act. I was privileged to be part of the first
administration to recognize and honor Native Code Talkers in the Oval
Office.
Question 3. You noted that your experience at the White House
involved coordinating with 50 state governors, 7,386 state legislators,
33,144 counties, and roughly 19,000 county commissioners and board
members. How many of the 574 federally-recognized Tribal governments
did you directly interface with in your roles at the White House?
Answer. Engaging with Indian Country is not a game of numbers.
During my time in the White House, I was proud to work closely with the
Department of the Interior and the Office of Indian Affairs on a range
of issues. Our administration was the first to formally recognize the
crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. President Trump issued
an executive order establishing Operation Lady Justice and later issued
a proclamation on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska
Natives and signed into law Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act. I
am proud of the accomplishments of the first Trump Administration and
if confirmed, I look forward to working with tribes to build upon those
accomplishments.
Question 4. If confirmed, will you ensure all the bureaus and
offices under your management are transparent and responsive to
Congress in its oversight capacity by--
a. Timely and fully responding to all Committee inquiries and
letters?
b. Complying with Committee deadlines for submitting testimony?
c. Providing technical assistance and briefings in a timely
manner when requested?
Answer. I believe in transparency and responsiveness, and if
confirmed, I look forward to responding to the Committee's requests as
appropriate in a timely manner in accordance with law.
Question 5. In your responses to the Committee questionnaire, you
mention the importance of setting goals for the organization, which
will focus on leading to ``more economic opportunities through
increased access to capital and better broadband connectivity.'' You
also mention major goals as ``better and more innovative education
opportunities,'' and major operational objectives as a ``more
streamlined approach to oil, gas, and mineral exploration throughout
Indian Country,'' working to ``improve the process and speed in which
various approvals happen,'' and ``how the land into trust process is
managed.''
a. What are your specific policy goals for increased access to
capital at the BIA and other federal education programs serving
Native communities?
b. What are your specific policy goals for better broadband
connectivity at the BIA and other federal education programs
serving Native communities?
c. What are your specific policy goals for more innovative
education opportunities at the BIE and other federal education
programs serving Native communities?
d. What are your specific policy goals for a more streamlined
approach to oil, gas, and mineral exploration throughout Indian
Country?
e. Will your specific policy goals to streamline energy
exploration in Indian Country include renewable technologies if
Tribes request or want those processes streamlined as well?
f. What are your specific policy goals to improve the process
and speed in which various approvals happen? What does
``various approvals'' include?
g. What are your specific policy goals to improve how the land
into trust process is managed?
Answer. My specific goals are to improve economic opportunities,
education, law enforcement and infrastructure in Indian Country as we
improve the trust relationship with tribal nations. As I stated at my
hearing, if confirmed, I intend to spend my first 90 days listening to
tribal leaders and the Congressional Committees of jurisdiction to
understand top priorities and will work closely with the political and
career employees at the Department to develop a clear action plan. I
will work to build consensus and then move quickly once met.
Question 6. What is your current employment during your nomination
and pending confirmation? Please list all employers.
Answer. My current employment is set forth in my ethics paperwork
and supplemental 5-day letter previously provided to this committee.
Question 7. What will the nature of your relationship be with your
PWK Group clients listed as current on your questionnaire, if
confirmed? Please include in your description individual explanations
for each of your current clients, including Lt. Governor Burt Jones and
U.S. Representative Brian Jack.
Answer. I have worked with the Department's career ethics officials
as part of my nomination process and my ethics agreement that has
previously been provided to this Committee sets out the nature of my
relationship with my employer, the PWK Group, if I am confirmed. And,
if I am confirmed, I will continue to seek the advice of the
Department's career ethics officials on ethics issues.
Question 8. In your ethics paperwork, you reserve the right to seek
conflict-of-interest and personal financial interest waivers under
current law. 5 C.F.R. 2635.502 and Title 18 Section 208. Will you
pledge not to request or accept any ethics waivers?
Answer. I do not anticipate seeking a waiver as I am not aware of
any ethical conflicts. As previously stated, if confirmed, I will seek
the advice of the Department's career ethics officials and comply with
all ethics laws.
Question 9. As you committed in your nomination hearing, please
provide the Committee with a copy of the purchase agreement of the sale
of your consulting firm, PWK Group, LLC.
Answer. As part of my nomination process, I have worked with the
Department's career ethics officials to provide this committee with my
financial disclosures and ethics agreement. As I stated at my hearing,
I pledge to continue to seek their advice to ensure compliance with
Federal ethics laws if confirmed for this position.
Question 10. When asked at your nomination hearing if you would
abide by a federal law that prohibits unequal treatment of federally-
recognized Tribes, including based on when or how they were federally-
recognized, you replied ``all federally recognized Tribes have a treaty
obligation that the U.S. government has to respect and follow the law
in terms of how those obligations have been recorded.''
a. Are you aware that not all federally-recognized Tribes have
treaties with the U.S.?
b. Please clarify your statement with respect to all federally-
recognized Tribes enumerated pursuant to the Federally
Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994.
c. Will you commit to abiding by 25 U.S.C. 5123(f) and other
federal law, including caselaw, by ensuring all federally-
recognized Tribes are entitled to the same privileges and
immunities as one another, regardless of--
i. how they were recognized;
ii. whether or not they have a treaty;
iii. which political party they support;
iv. how the state they live in voted in previous elections;
or
v. whether you interfaced with them in your former role at
the White House?
Answer. There are over 500 federally recognized tribes, all with
different identities, histories and needs, with whom the Department has
a government-to-government relationship. Although I am not a legal
scholar, I recognize that there is a complex historical and legal
framework binding the United States to federally recognized tribes. As
I stated at my hearing, if confirmed, I will always follow the law and
will seek the counsel of the Department's attorneys to do so.
Question 11. Do you support federal efforts to expand access to the
ballot box for Native communities, and their ability to cast ballots by
mail given the persistent lack of polling and registration
opportunities on Tribal lands and remote villages?
Answer. I believe tribal citizens should have access to exercise
their fundamental right to vote. If confirmed as Assistant Secretary
for Indian Affairs, my role will be to oversee the Bureau of Indian
Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education and Bureau of Trust Funds
Administration. As the liaison between tribal nations and the federal
government, I will work with this committee to ensure the federal
government upholds its unique trust responsibilities to federally
recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and individuals
including on tribal sovereignty, self-determination and economic
development. My decisionmaking will be informed by meaningful
consultation with tribal governments, leaders, Alaska Natives and ANCs,
and engagement with communities and stakeholders.
Question 12. You state in your responses to the Committee
questionnaire that ``education is the key to economic mobility and
overhauling the bureaus and offices within Indian Affairs is a must to
meet that goal.'' What efforts for agency reorganization will you put
in place ``to meet that goal''?
Answer. President Trump is focused on ensuring that we have an
efficient and effective workforce. If confirmed, I look forward to
taking a hard look at the Indian Affairs workforce to ensure that we
are able to fulfill our mission while supporting the President and
Secretary's priorities.
Question 13. Do you plan to involve DOGE in decision-making at
Interior?
Answer. If confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, I
will have decisionmaking authority for issues related to Indian Country
in accordance with the policies of the Secretary and the President.
Question 14. You state in your responses to Committee questionnaire
that, ``if a government program is no longer needed. . .a final
decision can be made on the termination after thoughtful consultation
[with Tribes].''
a. Will you commit to holding meaningful Tribal consultation
prior to terminating, defunding, or cutting programs at
Interior, or demanding other agencies do the same before
terminating programs that have a Tribal or Native Hawaiian
nexus?
b. What processes and procedures do you consider to be included
in ``meaningful consultation''?
c. How does the federal trust responsibility impact a program
termination decision?
d. Will the consultation with Tribes be aligned with the Trump
Administration priorities?
And, or, with Indian Country's needs?
Answer. Consultation is a foundational aspect of our Nation-to-
Nation relationship with tribes, and if confirmed, I will make sure
that we welcome tribes to the federal decisionmaking table and ensure
federal officials with decision-making authority, like me, are active
participants. I believe meaningful consultation includes the principles
of participation, listening, understanding, and subsequently ensuring
that substantial consideration is given to feedback from tribes, with
the end goal being to carefully consider and balance interests and
strive for consensus wherever and whenever possible.
Question 15. What are the roles of the private sector and states in
executing the federal trust responsibility?
Answer. The federal government has the primary obligation to
execute the federal trust responsibility. States have limited direct
roles and jurisdiction in Indian Country, but there are certain federal
statutes that allow some limited state intervention. Similarly, the
private sector does not have a direct role but can be a partner in
assisting the Federal government in fulfilling its trust responsibility
by supporting partnerships that promote economic development. These
private sector investments can help sustain tribes economically and
promote tribal self-determination.
Question 16. Part of the role of Assistant Secretary for Indian
Affairs is to be a liaison and an advocate for Tribes, both within
Interior and in other agencies of the executive branch. Traditionally,
the Assistant Secretary also coordinates with leadership within
Interior on advancing federal Native Hawaiian relations. As
reorganization efforts, budget cuts, and layoffs affect Native programs
across the federal government, what will you do to advocate for Native
communities to protect crucial programs that are part of the trust
responsibility in other agencies?
Answer. Building and maintaining strong relationships with native
communities and ensuring they have the vital public safety, social and
infrastructure services that the Department is charged with providing
through our trust responsibilities will be a top priority of mine, if
confirmed. As I stated at my hearing, I believe there are number of
protocols and processes we need to look at closely and that there is
room for improvement. I commit to working collaboratively to ensure
resources and services are provided in an effective and efficient
manner.
Question 17. In its budget request, the DOJ proposes to move the
Office of Tribal Justice (OTJ) under the Office of Justice Programs,
the primary function of which is grantmaking. The Tribal Law and Order
Act requires the OTJ to be a component, not a sub-component, of the
Department of Justice. Do you agree with subordinating OTJ, which BIA
law enforcement partners with, within the DOJ?
Answer. As I am not a part of the Administration, I am not familiar
with the budget request for the Department of Justice.
Question 18. List every entity that paid you or PWK Group, LLC more
than $5,000 since January 2020 and identify all DOI matters from which
you will recuse yourself from if confirmed.
Answer. I have worked with the Department's career ethics officials
as part of my nomination process and to provide this committee with my
financial disclosures and ethics agreement. I will continue to seek
their advice to ensure compliance with Federal ethics laws, including
recusals, if confirmed for this position.
Question 19. Detail how continued ownership of Amazon, Apple, and
Microsoft stock complies with 18 U.S.C. 208, and enumerate the Indian
Affairs issues you will recuse yourself from.
Answer. I have worked with the Department's career ethics officials
as part of my nomination process and to provide this committee with my
financial disclosures and ethics agreement. I will continue to seek
their advice to ensure compliance with Federal ethics laws, including
recusals, if confirmed for this position.
Question 20. Your ethics agreement acknowledges the 30 U.S.C.
1211(f) ban on coalholdings. List every energy-sector asset you and
your immediate family currently hold and the divestiture timeline for
each.
Answer. I have worked with the Department's career ethics officials
as part of my nomination process and to provide this committee with my
financial disclosures and ethics agreement. I will continue to seek
their advice to ensure compliance with Federal ethics laws, including
recusals, if confirmed for this position.
Question 21. Describe how prior consulting for BGR Group, Pace-O-
Matic, and other current clients will not compromise your impartiality
on Indian gaming issues and National Indian Gaming Commission
decisions.
Answer. I hold myself to the highest ethical standards. I have
worked with the Department's career ethics officials as part of my
nomination process and to provide this committee with my financial
disclosures and ethics agreement. I will continue to seek their advice
to ensure compliance with Federal ethics laws, including recusals, if
confirmed for this position.
Question 22. If requested by the President, OMB, or the Secretary,
will you identify and suggest funding for rescissions in BIA, BIE, and
BTFA?
a. If so, will you consult with Indian Tribes prior to making
such recommendations?
b. Do you believe you have an obligation to inform this
Committee or the Appropriations Committee of such
recommendations?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with the Secretary
and the Administration to identify ways we can work with our tribal and
state and local partners to honor our trust responsibilities and
improve effective delivery of vital services. Broadly, I intend to
promote education reform and economic and resource development on
tribal lands but ultimately believe that priorities need to be made
through meaningful consultation with Native communities, tribes and
Congress. As I stated at my hearing, I intend to spend my first 90 days
listening to tribal leaders and the Congressional committees of
jurisdiction to understand top priorities, build consensus and develop
a clear action plan.
Question 23. Produce all contracts, scope-of-work documents, and
lobbying activities executed for Wayne Halfway House or its FOCUS PAC
and explain how you will avoid any appearance of a conflict in
overseeing DOI juvenile justice grants.
Answer. I have worked with the Department's career ethics officials
as part of my nomination process and to provide this committee with my
financial disclosures and ethics agreement. I will continue to seek
their advice to ensure compliance with federal ethics laws, including
recusals, if confirmed for this position.
Question 24. Explain, in detail, how you will remain below the
$35,000 annual outside-income cap for PAS officials.
Answer. I have worked with the Department's career ethics officials
as part of my nomination process and to provide this committee with my
financial disclosures and ethics agreement. I will continue to seek
their advice to ensure compliance with federal ethics laws, including
recusals, if confirmed for this position.
Question 25. You have run political PACs and corporate accounts
that move seven-figure sums. Please explain how you will ensure
Interior's Indian-Affairs appropriations are obligated strictly for
their statutory purpose and not parked, repurposed, or withheld in
violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act.
Answer. I am not at the Department and not aware of the specific
concerns you have. As I stated at my hearing, if I am confirmed, I will
follow the law to ensure that funding provided by Congress is
prioritized to best meet our mission and the President's priorities.
Question 26. Describe the standard operating procedure you will
issue to guarantee Government Accountability Office examiners have
necessary, real-time access to Indian Affairs data, personnel, and
correspondence.
Answer. As I stated at my hearing, transparency is of the utmost
importance. I believe the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs should
be readily accessible to all stakeholders. If confirmed, I look forward
to being briefed on the procedures for responding to inquiries from the
Government Accountability Office.
Question 27. The Government Accountability Office recently reported
that Indian Affairs' chronic vacancy rates and skills gaps are
undermining program delivery. If confirmed, what hard targets will you
set for filling mission-critical roles at BIA, BIE, and BTFA, and will
you commit to updating this Committee in a timely matter about
workforce-related issues at these bureaus?
Answer. I am not at the Department and not aware of the details of
the issue you have raised, but if I am confirmed I look forward to
being briefed on this issue and continuing the dialogue with you and
your colleagues to ensure bureaus under my purview deliver mission
critical outcomes for Indian Country to meet our trust responsibilities
in a manner that is responsive, respectful and rooted in partnership.
Question 28. The President's budget request for fiscal year 2026
cuts key BIA and BIE programs while simultaneously cutting funds for
BIA and BIE from other agencies, such as the Department of Justice and
Department of Education. Will you commit, if confirmed, to coordinate
with other agencies to ensure future funding decisions are not made in
isolation?
Answer. As I am not currently in the Department, I cannot speak to
the specific process of creating the budget, and I have no knowledge to
assert the current budget was drafted in isolation. However, I intend
to work collaboratively with all stakeholders within and outside the
government to best serve Indian Country.
Question 29. Do you stand by your clients' actions--namely Donald
Trump, Kelly Loeffler, Burt Jones, and David Perdue--in Georgia to
decertify a free and fair election?
Answer. I support the President, and if confirmed, look forward to
advancing this Administration's priorities to bring meaningful
opportunities to Indian Country, uphold meaningful government-to-
government relationships with federally recognized tribes, Alaska
Natives and ANCs. This includes enacting policies that support self-
determination and tribal sovereignty, and stewarding trust assets while
maintaining the federal trust responsibilities that aim to support the
social, cultural and economic self-sufficiency of tribal communities.
Question 30. Have you been interviewed or subpoenaed by any legal
bodies or investigative committees related to the 2020 election?
Answer. No.
Question 31. Did you ever coordinate messaging or strategy with
attorneys like Kenneth Chesebro, Ray Smith, John Eastman, Rudy
Guiliani, or any of the other 19 people indicted around the attempts to
change Georgia's election results?
Answer. I do not recall any conversations with Kenneth Chesebro,
Ray Smith, John Eastman, or Rudy Guiliani regarding Georgia's 2020
election results. In my role as a consultant to the 2020 Presidential
Campaign I interacted with many campaign staff and volunteers but
always followed the laws and regulations as to campaigns and elections.
As stated before, I was never asked to be interviewed or subpoenaed by
any legal bodies or investigative committees related to the 2020
election.
Question 32. Did you retain private counsel due to the
investigations into election fraud in Georgia?
Answer. No.
Question 33. Do you accept the outcome of the 2020 election,
particularly in Georgia?
Answer. I accept that Joe Biden was sworn into office as the 46th
President of the United States.
Question 34. Have you ever supported or participated in efforts to
cast doubt on the legitimacy of U.S. election results?
Answer. I have always followed all campaign and election laws.
Question 35. Were any of your clients involved in setting up the
call with President Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad
Raffensperger in which President Trump asked the Secretary of State to
find him over 11,000 votes so he would win Georgia?
Answer. As stated in my testimony I have no first-hand knowledge of
that call, and I was not involved in setting it up.
Question 36. What was your involvement in liaising between the
Georgia Secretary of State's office and the President and/or his
campaign in 2020?
Answer. I was a Senior Advisor to the Presidential Campaign as it
related to Georgia political strategy and, therefore, I had
conversations with relevant stakeholders and elected officials in
Georgia in the run up to the 2020 election. I interacted with the
Secretary of State's office as I did with other elected officials in
Georgia.
Question 37. In October 2022, you appeared on the GOPAC Podcast
titled, ``Political Operative and White House Alum, Billy Kirkland.''
The recording is no longer publicly available. Please provide a
recording or written transcript of this episode.
Answer. I do not have access to a recording or written transcript
of this episode.
Question 38. In your questionnaire, you list Connect South and
Potomac South under your Business Relationships (Question A11).
a. The questionnaire requires you to disclose all positions
held, but you did not list your positions with either of these
entities. Please list your titles at Connect South and Potomac
South and indicate whether these are former or current
positions.
b. If confirmed, will you or any of your family members
continue any business relationships or retain financial
interests with Potomac South after the sale of PWK Group, LLC?
Answer. If confirmed, I will abide by the terms of my ethics
agreement previously provided to this committee.
Question 39. Confirm if each the following contributions were made
by you, which were reported by the Federal Elections Commissions data
and other State Campaign Finance Systems, but were not reported on your
ethics or questionnaire paperwork.
2/19/2020 Johnson for Georgians, Inc.: $500
8/5/2012 Committee to Elect BJ Mathis Chairman: $500 in-kind
contribution
8/18/2012 Committee to Elect BJ Mathis Chairman: $500
2/20/2020 Trump Victory: $3,000
3/11/2020 Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.: $1,150
3/11/2020 Trump Victory: $1,150
5/12/2020 Trump Victory: $1,000
8/9/2021 Burt Jones for Georgia: $1,000
12/21/2021 Burt Jones for Georgia: $2,588
1/9/2022 Burt Jones for Georgia: $1,291.32
2/28/2022 Georgia Republican Party, Inc.: $1,000
8/29/2023 Georgia Republican Party, Inc.: $5,000
1/2/2024 Georgia Republican Party, Inc.: $1,000
9/10/2024 Trump 47 Committee, Inc.: $5,000
8/28/2023 Brandon Beach: $1,000
5/10/2022 David Clark: $479.70
3/9/2022 Timothy Fleming: $500
Answer. As a political consultant, I have worked with and
contributed to a number of political campaigns, as I shared on my
committee questionnaire. In addition to 19 contributions identified
within the 10-year timeframe and $500 threshold on my questionnaire,
including to Tim Fleming and Brandon Beach, I can confirm that either
my company or I made the contributions you listed except for the
contribution to Johnson for Georgians, which was not made in 2020 (it
was made in 2010), and the contribution to Trump 47 Committee, Inc. I
note that some of the contributions you listed were made outside the
questionnaire's 10-year and $500 threshold.
Question 40. In your responses to Committee questionnaire, you
state that you worked on a number of political campaigns, ``as
identified in this questionnaire, and to the Georgia Republican Party,
Inc., the Republican National Committee, Never Surrender, Inc.
(Formally Donald J. Trump for President 2024, Inc.).'' Your
questionnaire answer lists your work for seven political campaigns but
omits several others. Please confirm if you worked for each of the
following political campaigns and specify your role, which were
reported by the Federal Elections Commissions data and other State
Campaign Finance Systems (but were not listed in your questionnaire
paperwork):
Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. (2020, 2016)
Georgians for Kelly Loeffler
Perdue for Senate
Marcio Rubio for Senate
Kasich for America Inc.
Faith & Freedom Coalition
Virginia House Republican Caucus
Georgia Republican Party Inc.
One Georgia PAC
Great America Committee
Keep America Great Again Action Fund
Georgia Values Action
Washington Deserves Better PAC
Pruitt for House
Brian Preston for Commission
Dr. Karen Mathiak for State House
The Committee to Elect Matt Ramsey
Answer. Again, as a political consultant, I have provided a range
of services to a number of political parties or election committees and
confirm that I worked with each of these campaigns. In some instances,
such as with One Georgia PAC and the Great America Committee, I had no
official role but recall receiving a travel reimbursement. For others,
my role was as limited as a three-week to a two-month project, such as
for the Keep America Great Again Action Fund, the Georgia Values
Action, or Kasich for America. Other such limited roles included
helping organize one fundraising event, such as for Marco Rubio for
Senator, or for helping build a website, such as for Dr. Karen Mathiak
for State House. I was a consultant for Donald J. Trump for President,
Inc., Georgians for Kelly Loeffler, and Washington Deserves Better PAC.
I note that five of these political campaigns occurred outside of the
committee questionnaire's 10-year timeframe, and others, including
Perdue for Senate and the Georgia Republican Party, were provided on my
committee questionnaire.
Question 41. Your response to question 4 in Section C--Potential
Conflicts of Interest in the Committee questionnaire noted your
previous efforts in the White House to advocate for legislation that
supported the administration's priorities.
a. Please clarify if, during the past 10 years, you have been
engaged for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing
any legislation and the execution of law or public policy at
the state level.
b. Please clarify if any of your consulting or private work
over the past 10 years has involved directly or indirectly
influencing the passage, defeat, or modification of any
legislation or execution of law or public policy, either at the
state or federal level. If so, please describe the nature of
the services you provided for each client and identify the
legislation or policy implicated.
Answer. As a political consultant, I have been engaged as a
consultant with political parties and political campaigns, all of which
are generally interested in influencing laws and public policy at the
state or federal level. As I stated in my committee questionnaire, I
have consulted with the Office of Government Ethics and the Department
of the Interior's Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any
potential conflicts of interest or appearances of conflicts of
interest. If confirmed, any potential conflicts will be resolved in
accordance with the terms of my ethics agreement that has been provided
to this Committee.
Question 42. Please provide your 2019 OGE termination report or
other documentation to certify your last day of prior federal service.
Answer. Upon further review of my records, I can confirm my last
day of federal service was October 15, 2019.
Question 43. You pledged in your 2017 ethics filing to make PWK
Group ``inactive,'' yet campaign reports show you were paid while you
were on the White House payroll between 2017 and 2019.
a. Did you clear this compensation with ethics while you were
at the White House?
b. Please provide documentation that you made PWK Group
officially inactive pursuant to your 2017 ethics pledge.
Answer. I hold myself to the highest ethical standards. I am not
aware of any actions that have not been in accordance with federal law.
I will work with the Department's ethics career officials to ensure
compliance with federal law if confirmed for this position.
Question 44. Please confirm your employment at the following
entities, your position with these entities, and the years you worked
there (missing from responses to Committee questionnaire):
Parkside Management
Five Points
Answer. I am not familiar with Parkside Management. In 2008, I
served as a consultant for Five Points Consulting, as indicated in my
response to question 11 on my committee questionnaire.
Question 45. On your questionnaire, you noted that you attended
Eagle's Landing High School from 1996-1996 and graduated from ``College
Preparatory'' in May 1998.
a. Did you transfer to College Preparatory during your high
school years, and if so, when?
b. Is College Preparatory the official name of the high school?
Where is it located (city, state)?
Answer. I listed in my questionnaire that I attended Eagles Landing
High School from 1996-1998 and graduated with a College Preparatory
Diploma in May of 1998.
Question 46. Explain the ``strategic partnerships'' you arranged
for Wayne Halfway House while it fought oversight legislation for its
youth treatment centers in Tennessee and financed the FOCUS PAC.
a. Did your work include political activity or donor targeting?
b. What assurances does this committee have that you can
impartially oversee BIA public safety and justice facilities
with this record?
Answer. As I stated in my questionnaire, I have consulted with the
Office of Government Ethics and the Department of the Interior's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any potential conflicts
of interest or appearances of conflicts of interest. If confirmed, any
potential conflicts will be resolved in accordance with the terms of my
Ethics Agreements that has been provided to this committee.
Question 47. In your questionnaire response, you state that you
will ``aim to ensure that regulations issued by Indian Affairs comply
with the spirit of the laws passed by Congress.''
a. Please clarify what you mean that you will aim to follow the
spirit of the law.
b. Will you commit to following the letter of the law as
Congress wrote it?
Answer. If confirmed, I commit to following the law to ensure the
important work carried out by the bureaus under my purview as Assistant
Secretary for Indian Affairs is carried out efficiently and
effectively.
*Questions and answers to 48-60 were redacted due to personal
information not released to the public.*
Question 61. At the nomination hearing, you testified that you
would work with the attorneys at the Department of the Interior to
ensure compliance with rules and laws of ethics. Please clarify, will
you, personally, pledge not to seek or accept any ethics waivers?
Answer. As I stated at my hearing, I pledge to work with the
Department's career ethics staff to make sure my actions as Assistant
Secretary for Indian Affairs are in compliance with ethics laws if I am
confirmed.
Question 62. At the nomination hearing, you stated that neither you
nor your family will retain a financial stake in ``the firm'' following
sale. Please clarify, will either your or any of your family members
retain a financial stake in, or be employed by, Potomac South?
Answer. The details of future engagement with Potomac South LLC, if
I am confirmed, are set out in my ethics agreement that has previously
been provided to the committee.
Question 63. Will you cut ties with Potomac South, including
decision-making powers or leadership roles, if confirmed?
Answer. If confirmed, I will abide by the terms of my ethics
agreement previously provided to this committee.
Question 64: You stated it is important that the ``Office of Indian
Affairs'' prioritize how funding provided by Congress is allocated.
a. Please clarify what you mean by ``prioritize'' funding
provided by Congress.
b. If confirmed, will you follow the law directing how federal
appropriations must be spent?
Answer. As I stated at my hearing, I believe it is important to
prioritize funding provided by Congress. I believe government has a
responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars to ensure those
dollars are used effectively. If confirmed, I will follow the law to
meet the needs of Indian Country.
Question 65. In response to my question on your role in the Georgia
Secretary of State's call with President Trump, you testified that you
did not speak to the press and that you were not on the call, or in the
room for that call. However, please clarify if you have personal
knowledge of the call before or after it occurred.
Answer. I am aware that the call you reference occurred.
Question 66. Do you believe the realignments of the Department of
the Interior and other agencies uphold the trust responsibility and
needs of Indian Country?
Answer. I am not at the Department and am not briefed on the
realignments that you are referencing. If confirmed, I am committed to
ensuring that the Department meets its federal trust responsibilities
and addresses the needs of Indian Country.
Question 67. What was your specific role in advancing Operation
Lady Justice during the first Trump Administration?
Answer. I was proud to be a part of the first Trump Administration,
re-election campaign, and the 2024 campaign. During the lead up
President Trump's issuance of the executive order establishing
Operation Lady Justice, I worked with tribal leaders and the White
House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs as they consulted with the
Department of the Interior and other federal agencies and planned
regional meetings and consultations. When the Executive Order was
issued, I was no longer working at the White House, but because of my
previous role, I was in contact with multiple tribes, tribal leaders
and tribal representatives, and remained in contact with the White
House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.
Question 68. Are you currently employed by the Department of the
Interior? If so, please provide your title, job description, and scope
of your work in that role.
Answer. I am not currently employed by the Department of the
Interior.
Question 69. You provided a list of clients you work with under PWK
Group. None of these clients are Tribes. What is your experience
working with Tribes outside of your experience at the White House?
Answer. I have worked and collaborated with a number of tribes on a
variety of policy and cultural issues. Whether economic development
issues, working to preserve traditional languages, further highlighting
MMIW to different DMAs via pro sports teams or working to highlight
Native athletes, I have been proud to do so without any monetary cost
to tribes.
Question 70. In the President's Budget for FY 2026, a number of
programs under the Bureau of Indian Affairs were terminated,
reprogrammed, or otherwise modified. Will you support the continuation
of such changes when you are the AS-IA during the FY 2027, FY 2028, and
FY 2029 budget formulation process? If not, please share your thoughts
about any changes you may want to reverse.
a. What role will Tribal consultation play in your thinking or
actions?
b. What is your role to advocate for Indian Country in the
budget formulation process?
c. Several members of this Committee are also members of the
Appropriations Committee, do you agree with Director Vought
that the appropriations process needs to be less bipartisan? If
so why?
d. What is Director Vought's role in policy making for Indian
Country related to your own role, if you are confirmed?
e. Do you believe that funding is related to policy?
f. Do you believe the programs under your authority as ASIA, if
confirmed, should receive additional funding, support, or
consideration? If not, why?
g. What legal effect does the Presidents Budget Request have on
the Department of the Interior's actions?
h. What steps can be made between the submission of the
President's Budget and the Congressionally passed
Appropriations budget?
Answer. As I am not an employee of the Department, I am not
familiar with the details of the President's budget proposal. I also
cannot speak to Director Vought's views on the appropriations process.
However, in terms of my decision-making if confirmed, as I demonstrated
during the previous Trump Administration, collaboration and meaningful
consultation with tribal leaders will be a top priority. I look forward
to being briefed on the funding needs of the programs I would oversee
as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs and to meeting the needs of
Indian Country with the funds appropriated by Congress.
Question 71. You worked to establish Opportunity Zones in Indian
Country. How does this work impact NAHASDA or the Housing Improvement
Program under BIA?
a. How have you advocated for Indian housing programs under
HUD, BIA, and USDA?
Answer. I share Secretary's Burgum's focus on the pressing need to
secure affordable housing across the country, including in tribal
communities. As part of the Trump Administration, I was privileged to
help encourage Opportunity Zones in Indian Country, which can support
housing development to address this important issue.
Question 72. If confirmed, will you support programs supporting
Native American language education?
a. For students at the early childhood and preschool level?
b. For students at the elementary level and secondary?
c. For students in higher education?
d. For adult learners?
Answer. If confirmed, I will support Native American language
programs for learners of all ages. I've seen firsthand how important
language is to identity and belonging, especially in Native
communities. As I shared in my testimony, I never became fluent in my
language and that's something I have carried with me. It's one reason I
strongly believe in maintaining or expanding access to Native language
education.
Question 73. DOI and BIA has played a vital role in illuminating
the federal Indian Boarding School policies and their impacts on Native
communities, including intergenerational trauma and devastating impacts
to Native American languages Do you support efforts to address the
legacy of the Indian Boarding School policies? If not, why not?
a. If confirmed, how will you continue to support previous
Department efforts?
Answer. The Department has undertaken important work to document
and better understand the history and impacts of federal Indian
boarding school policies. If confirmed, I will continue to engage on
these efforts and ensure alignment with broader Departmental
priorities. I recognize the importance of maintaining open dialogue
with tribal nations and stakeholders as this work continues.
Question 74. Do you think the Department of Education's English-
first policies could be a foundation for eliminating federal support to
Native American languages funded by the same department?
Answer. The preservation and revitalization of Native languages is
important to many tribal communities. If confirmed, I will listen
closely to tribal leaders and educators as well as work with my
colleagues at the Department of Education to better understand how
current policies impact Native language programs and where continued
support is most needed.
Question 75. What role do you believe continuing federal support in
the perpetuation of language in your own life with the Navajo Nation?
Do you support increased federal support for Native language
revitalization and preservation efforts?
Answer. As I stated above, I've seen firsthand how important
language is to identity and belonging, especially in Native
communities. And I shared in my testimony that I never became fluent in
my language and that's something I've carried with me. It's one reason
I strongly believe in maintaining or expanding access to Native
language education. When people are given the chance to reconnect with
their language, it builds confidence, strengthens community ties, and
gives people a more profound sense of who they are. If confirmed, I
look forward to supporting Native language programs.
Question 76. Does the federal government have a responsibility to
reverse the impacts of Federal Indian Boarding School policies on
Native American families, Native American languages, and Native
American cultures?
Answer. I believe the federal government has a role in working
respectfully with tribes to understand the continuing impact of the
federal Indian boarding school policies on Native communities and
support locally driven solutions. If confirmed, I will approach this
work with humility and a commitment to supporting programs that reflect
the priorities and voices of Native people.
Question 77. Do you believe that self-determination is best served
to empower Native nations to prioritize the needs of their people? Even
when those needs do not align with the Administration's priorities,
such as developing renewable energy?
Answer. As I stated in my testimony, I understand that part of the
mission of Indian Affairs is to enact policies that support self
determination and tribal sovereignty. If confirmed, I will work to
ensure this obligation is carried out on behalf of tribes. I believe
tribal governments, leaders and ANCs are best positioned to identify
and implement the solutions their communities need including economic
and energy development.
Question 78. What do you think are the most important statutory
laws that govern the U.S.--Tribal trust relationship?
Answer. As I have previously noted, I am not a legal scholar.
However, I do not believe that there are ``important'' vs ``non-
important'' federal laws, particularly as they relate to Indian Country
and our federal trust responsibility. If I am confirmed, I will ensure
that the Department implements it mission in accordance with all
federal laws and treaties.
Question 79. What is your position on supporting self determination
by means of 638 contract authorities?
a. Will you advocate for more programs to be eligible for 638
contracts, if you are confirmed?
b. What role will you play in educating officials from other
departments about the value of 638 contracting authority, if
you are confirmed?
c. Do you support the current levels of 638 contracts and
compacts, as well as Contract Support Costs?
i. Should current levels be increased, remain level, or
reduced? If so, why?
Answer. I support tribal self determination, and 638 contracts
reflect the government-to-government relationship between tribes and
the federal government. If confirmed, I will learn more about the
programs currently eligible for 638 contracts and will advocate within
the Department and with other federal partners to advance tribal
selfdetermination. I am not at the Department and am not familiar with
the current levels of funding for 638 contracts. If confirmed, I will
work with tribes, the Department and Congress to advance the
Administration's priorities for Indian Country.
Question 80. As a member of the Navajo Nation, you made many visits
to your home, what other Reservations or Tribal lands have you visited,
as appointee in Trump's first term, as a Tribal member, as a business
person, or as a political campaign manager?
Answer. It has been a privilege and an honor to visit and
experience many reservations and tribal lands across the country other
than my own. During my time in the White House, I was proud to engage
and work closely with leaders of multiple tribes on a range of issues.
I am proud of the accomplishments of the first Trump Administration
and, I look forward to visiting more native communities and working
with tribes to build upon those accomplishments, if confirmed.
Question 81. Do you believe the trust responsibility requires full
funding of Indian Water Settlements enacted into law?
a. What role do you think AS-IA should play in advocating for
annual funding in future negotiations?
b. What is understanding of your role as a member of the
Department of the Interior's Working Group on Indian Water
Rights Settlement, if confirmed?
Answer. While I am not at the Department, I understand that the
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs is a member of the Working Group
that makes recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior on Indian
water rights settlements and settlement policy. If confirmed, I would
look forward to being briefed on this important subject and to working
with my colleagues in the Department and the Administration to
determine appropriate funding levels.
Question 82. What will your role be in interacting with Indian
Water Rights Settlement parties and stakeholders?
a. Do you believe the federal trust responsibility requires you
to support additional water settlements and advocate for
funding already enacted settlements?
Answer. I understand that negotiated Indian water settlements can
resolve lengthy, contentious litigation among tribes and surrounding
communities, provide certainty to water users and support tribal
sovereignty and self-determination. If confirmed, I would work to
ensure federal responsibilities provided in enacted water rights
settlements are met so that tribes have access to clean, reliable water
supplies.
Question 83. Do you believe that Tribes have the right to co-manage
public lands?
Answer. While I have not been briefed on the legal framework
governing public lands management, as I stated at my hearing, I believe
collaboration and meaningful consultation with tribal leaders must be a
top priority in fulfilling the mission of the office for which I have
been nominated. If confirmed, my decisionmaking would be rooted in this
principle. Question 84: Please explain your understanding of Tribal co-
management authorities and Tribes' ability to establish land
management, conservation, and development rules on their lands.
Response: I am not at the Department and have not been briefed on the
authorities you reference. If confirmed, I look forward to learning
more including tribal and stakeholder perspectives and continuing this
dialogue.
Question 85. Do you believe that traditional ecological knowledge
(TEK) is science-based, or supported by science?
a. Native communities have land stewardship frameworks that
have sustained them for millennia. Do you believe that
knowledge acquired through observation of the same land for
thousands of years should be impacted by a partisan or
political ideology with regard to federal lands, with regard to
climate change, conservation, other land management practices?
Answer. I know and respect that Native communities have observed,
interacted and stewarded the areas in which they live since time
immemorial and have passed their knowledge down through generations.
Question 86. What is your view with regard to current land into
trust Part 151 regulations? a. How do these regulations relate to your
questionnaire response stating that the land into trust process should
be streamlined?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to being briefed on the law
and existing policies governing land into trust to identify ways to
improve the efficiency of this process to benefit tribes' economic and
social development goals.
Question 87. What are your views on taking land into trust as means
of rebuilding Tribal homelands?
a. What is the ASIA's responsibility as a fiduciary to lands
taken into trust and those resources?
Answer. I understand taking land into trust for the benefit of
tribal governments and individual Indians is a process that helps
restore tribal homelands, strengthen tribal sovereignty, and promote
economic opportunities for tribal communities. If confirmed, I will
listen to tribal leaders to better understand their views on this
important matter.
Question 88. Given your support and the work you testified to raise
awareness of Navajo Code Talkers, are you aware that under the Trump
Administration, the Department of Defense removed information about the
role Navajo Code Talkers played in the history of our country?
a. What would you do as AS-IA to voice your concerns for the
Navajo Nation and other Tribes that may face the same treatment
or historic erasure?
b. Do you believe such records should remain publicly
accessible as a matter of policy?
c. Do you believe such information plays an educational role
that is in the public good?
d. Do you believe such information honors the disproportionate
rates of military service of Native Americans in active duty
now or in prior U.S. conflict?
Answer. I cannot speak to the actions of the Department of Defense,
but I know this Administration recognizes Navajo Native Talkers as
heroes for their dedicated service, as do I.
Question 89. At your nomination hearing, Senator Cortez Masto
mentioned that the Not Invisible Act Commission report was taken down
from the DOJ website, a report of concern to DOI and BIA. In response,
you committed to maintaining transparency if confirmed. As AS-IA how
will you work to prevent actions like this in the future to maintain
transparency?Answer. If confirmed as Assistant Secretary, as I stated
at my hearing, I will look forward to working with this Committee, and
to working in partnership with tribes, tribal leaders, and Alaska
Native Corporations, to respond directly to concerns raised and to
provide feedback and accountability. This will help build trust and
ensure more effective delivery of services and programs.
Question 90. Your responsibilities as AS-IA, if confirmed, would be
to work with and for 574 federally recognized Tribes. Do you believe it
will be your role as AS-IA to have a greater or lesser responsibility
to Tribal governments, based on membership levels, based on land
holdings, based on treaties, or other federally defined metrics?
Answer. As I have stated, I recognize that Indian Country is not a
homogeneous community--each tribe is distinct with its own identity,
history and needs. If confirmed, my goal will be to honor the diversity
of Indian Country by ensuring our policies are responsive, respectful,
and rooted in partnership and meet our federal trust responsibilities.
Question 91. If confirmed, how will you work with the National Park
Service to ensure federally funded institutions and all federal
agencies comply with the Native American Graves Protection and
Repatriation Act?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work within the Department and with
tribes to ensure that tribes may reclaim their ancestral remains and
sacred objects as provided by law, including the Native American Graves
Protection and Repatriation Act.
Question 92. If confirmed, will you advocate for increased funding
for Tribal Historic Preservation Officers?
Answer. I support the preservation of tribal history, traditions
and sacred sites, and if confirmed look forward to working with tribes
and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers to ensure that they have the
resources needed to do so.
Question 93. If confirmed, will you commit to working with
Secretary Burgum to clarify that his recent letter stating solar and
wind energy projects must receive his personal sign-off does not apply
to projects on Tribal lands?
Answer. I am not familiar with the letter that you are referring
to, but certainly commit, if I am confirmed, to working with Secretary
Burgum and with tribes on energy projects to implement the President's
energy agenda.
Question 94. On October 26, 2020, an article in the Arizona Daily
Independent appeared under your name. In the article, you wrote the
following: ``Simply put, President Trump has been a Godsend to the
faith community.''
a. Please elaborate what you mean by ``Godsend'' in reference
to President Trump, and which ``faith community'' you are
referring to when you made that statement.
b. If confirmed, will you respect the Establishment Clause in
the U.S. Constitution in all duties related to your position?
Answer. The article speaks for itself. I stand behind the article
and President Trump's support for religious freedom. If confirmed, I
commit to continue adhering to all provisions of the U.S. Constitution.
Question 95. In your nomination hearing, you commented that the
US is facing a ``crippling national debt.''
a. Do you believe that actions to address the national debt
should include cuts to Indian Affairs programs, or programs
that support Native communities? If yes, why?
b. Do budgetary cuts proposed through the President's budget
request meet the federal government's trust responsibility? If
yes, why?
c. Does adding more than $4 trillion to the national debt
following enactment of the President's One Big Beautiful Bill
Act help to tackle our nation's ``crippling national debt''? If
yes, why?
d. Do budgetary cuts proposed through the President's first
rescissions package meet the federal government's trust
responsibility? If yes, why?
Answer. I support the President's goal of reducing the size the
federal government while increasing its accountability to the American
people. I am not at the Department, so I cannot speak to the specific
impacts of any particular legislation on the bureaus and offices that I
will lead if confirmed as Assistant Secretary. However, I will work
with the President and Secretary Burgum to ensure that we have
appropriate resources to meet our trust responsibilities for Indian
Country if I am confirmed.
Question 96. In your written testimony, you stated the following:
``If confirmed, I intend to spend my first 90 days listening to Tribal
leaders and the Congressional Committees of jurisdiction to understand
top priorities and develop a clear action plan.''
a. Which Tribal leaders do you intend to work with, and will
there be equal representation from Democratic and Republican
states?
b. How soon into your first 90 days do you intend to meet with
them? Would you meet personally with Tribes? Would you plan to
visit Tribal lands during this period? Would you propose a
majority of your outreach to Indian country occur through
virtual meetings online?
c. How would you measure your success at the end of the first
90 days? What would a successful first 90 days look like to
you?
Answer. Indian Country is not a homogenous community--each tribe is
distinct with its own identity, history and needs. If I am confirmed, I
will have an open-door policy for tribal leaders and members of
Congress to engage on issues of concern. With active listening, I will
be able to utilize this input to better understand the needs of Indian
Country and to prioritize actions of the Office of the Assistant
Secretary, if I am confirmed.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
William ``Billy'' Kirkland
Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act
Question 1. One of the biggest threats to Indian Country is the
fentanyl crisis. American Indian and Alaska Natives had the highest
opioid overdose rates of any ethnic group in the four consecutive years
between 2020 and 2023. Just this week, the DEA in partnership with the
Yakama Nation announced charges against thirteen individuals for
trafficking fentanyl and other illicit drugs on the Yakama Nation
Reservation. In February, the Yakama Nation was selected for an
Operation Overdrive investigation. Over the 120-day operation, DEA
worked closely with BIA, Yakama Nation and Wapato Police Department to
seize over 7,000 pounds of marijuana, 300 pounds of meth, 25 pounds of
cocaine, 7 pounds of fentanyl powder, and over 4,700 fentanyl laced
pills. According to the Special Agent in Charge, the fentanyl powder
and pills alone could have yielded 250,000 lethal doses, enough to kill
every member of the Yakama Nation more than eight times over. The
operation also yielded incredible success in reducing overdose deaths.
In January, the Yakama community experienced 19 overdose deaths,
February 14 deaths, March 12 deaths and by June of this year, two
deaths. The DEA Special Agent in charge said that this operation was
one of the most successful because DEA was able to closely partner with
the Tribe and BIA. The Yakama Nation Police Department found a way to
dedicate one full-time member of their staff as a DEA Task Force
Officer.
The Operation Overdrive investigative work between DEA and the
Tribe demonstrates how we can be successful in interdicting illicit
drugs in tribal communities if we have enough resources. Unfortunately,
we have heard from Tribal communities around the country that they do
not have enough law enforcement personnel to respond to calls and
dedicate resources to long-term efforts like Operation Overdrive. To
meet FBI Community Safety Standards, at least 13,000 more Tribal law
enforcement officers are needed nationally.
That is why Senator Mullin and I will be reintroducing the Parity
for Tribal Law Enforcement Act next week. This legislation will help
tribes recruit and retain law enforcement officers by allowing them to
offer Federal benefits that are currently available to local, state,
and Federal law enforcement.
If confirmed, do you commit to working with Senator Mullin
and myself to get this bill signed into law?
Answer. I recognize that recruiting and retaining tribal law
enforcement officers is important to meet our goals for public safety
in Indian Country. As I stated at the hearing, if I am confirmed, I
look forward to continuing to learn more about this legislation and
working with you and Senator Mullin on it and on shared priorities.
BIA Public Safety Funding
Question 2. Currently, tribal public safety funded at just under 13
percent of the total need. The President's FY 2026 budget proposes
additional cuts to BIA public safety and justice programs. This is
funding that is used to support essential public safety, such more
Tribal police officers and support staff, and for Tribes to have the
ability to successfully partner on and pursue operations that protect
their communities.
Yes or no, do you believe funding for Tribal public safety
programs should be cut?
Answer. I believe that it is critical that we collaborate closely
with tribal leaders to prioritize those needs that they identify as
most important, particularly when addressing law enforcement and
protecting our tribal communities. If I am confirmed, I commit to
working with you and tribes to meet our trust responsibilities and
protect native communities.
BIA Public Safety Funding
Question 3. If confirmed, do you commit to advocating for increased
funding for BIA Tribal public safety programs?
BIA Public Safety Funding
Question 4. How will you fight back against the Administration's
and OMB's efforts to short-change public safety in Indian Country?
Answer to questions 3 and 4. BIA tribal public safety programs play
an important role in supporting and protecting tribal communities. If
confirmed, I will strongly advocate for ensuring that these programs
receive appropriate resources to meet our federal trust
responsibilities.
BIA Release of Tribal Hatchery Funding
Question 5. Salmon are woven into the economy and the cultural
identity of Tribes throughout the Pacific Northwest. Protecting and
restoring salmon and steelhead populations is crucial in meeting the
cultural, subsistence, and economic needs of Washington tribes. This is
a pillar of upholding our trust and treaty obligations to them as
solidified under the Boldt decision 51 years ago. When Congress passed
the Inflation Reduction Act, it included $240 million in hatchery
funding for tribes that I personally worked to secure. Twenty-seven
tribes were deemed eligible to receive $2 million in funding for
necessary hatchery improvements. Many of the eligible tribes have not
received their funding after repeated attempts to work with the BIA and
the Administration. It is critical that the funding is released as soon
as possible because the fish construction window is closing.
My understanding is that the hatchery funding is stuck at the BIA
and awaiting approval for disbursement.
If confirmed, will you commit to releasing the funds as soon
as possible to the Tribes?
Answer. As I noted at my hearing, if I am confirmed, I will look
closely at the processes and protocols of the Bureau of Indian Affairs'
grant administration to identify the bottlenecks and figure out how to
make the system work more efficiently. We need to work together to make
sure that approved funds are delivered efficiently.
Tribal Timber
Question 6. One of President Trump's priorities is to increase
domestic timber harvesting and reduce our dependence on Canadian
lumber. The Yakama Nation in south central Washington state owns
650,000 acres of timber, the largest forestry stand of any Indian
reservation in the United States. They would very much like to support
the President's goal of increasing domestic production. They also own
one of the last remaining sawmills in the region that employs nearly
200 people. There are two actions by the Bureau of Indian Affairs that
are obstructing the Tribe's ability to harvest timber. One is that even
prior to DOGE's cutbacks there were about 30 FTEs assigned to the BIA
Yakama Agency in the area of natural resources that were vacant. The
money is there for the positions but the BIA can't seem to fill them.
As a result, the BIA was having a very difficult time overseeing timber
sales which then dropped profoundly. Then to make matters worse, and in
an action completely contrary to the President's goal of increased
domestic timber harvesting, DOGE proposed to RIF even more Yakama
Agency BIA employees and to eliminate the vacant FTE positions. Mr.
Kirkland, if we could fill those positions the Yakama Nation will 638
contract the entire forestry program, including timber sales, and can
readily double or triple the millions of board feet of timber coming
off their lands, creating jobs and spurring on the local economy both
on and off the reservation.
Can you commit to working with the Tribe and making the
funds associated with the FTEs available to them so that taking
over the entire forestry program and increasing timber harvest
becomes a viable option for them?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about this
issue and working with the Yakama Nation as they seek to increase the
domestic production of timber.
Trust and Treaty Obligations
Question 7. Throughout this year, I have heard from tribes
throughout Washington state who are deeply concerned about federal
commitments to fund vital tribal programs and projects. This includes
investments in infrastructure, health care delivery, and investments in
habitat and salmon survivability that are essential to meeting our
trust responsibility to Washington tribes. There is also uncertainty
around whether this Administration will continue to respect the legal
and political status of Tribal nations. We need to deliver the
investments we have promised to Indian Country. We need to get back on
track on improving tribal consultation policies and promoting the
rights and needs of Tribes.
If confirmed, do you commit to upholding your Trust and
Treaty responsibilities to our native communities and defend
those responsibilities, even if it conflicts with the
President's policies or actions?
Answer. If confirmed, I commit to advocating for and ensuring that
we meet the federal government's trust and treaty obligations to our
native communities.
Trust and Treaty Obligations
Question 8. Government-to-Government consultation with tribes is
how the United States upholds its Trust and Treaty obligations.
How do you plan to ensure the Department of Interior, and
all federal agencies, thoroughly consult with Tribal nations?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work closely with the Administration
and other federal agencies to emphasize our federal trust
responsibilities and the steps to be taken when engaging in
consultation with tribal nations. I will also work with tribal leaders
to ensure that the outcome works for both the tribes and the agencies.
Trust and Treaty Obligations
Question 9. If confirmed, how will you ensure the Department
thoroughly and consistently consults with Tribes, maintains effective
government-to-government relationships, and promotes sovereignty and
self-determination?
Answer. As I stated at my hearing, effective communication, both
within the Department and with Indian Country, is critical to ensure
that we are meeting our federal trust responsibilities. Collaboration
and meaningful consultation with tribal leaders will be a top priority
if I am confirmed as Assistant Secretary.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tina Smith to
William ``Billy'' Kirkland
Question 1. Did you personally delete any social media accounts,
posts, podcasts, or other content in anticipation of or after your
nomination? Did you ask anyone else to do so on your behalf?
Answer. In January I deactivated Facebook and X accounts. I have
not asked for posts or podcasts to be deleted.
Question 2. What was the exact date of the termination of your
political appointment that began July 2018?
Answer. Upon further review of my records, I can confirm my last
day of federal service was October 15, 2019.
Question 3. Did you accept new clients, either as an individual
consultant or through PWK, LLC, during your previous political
appointment?
Answer. No.
Question 4. Do you commit to adequately staffing BIA headquarters
and regional offices to meet the agency's trust and treaty obligations
to Tribal Nations?
Answer. I commit to ensuring, if I am confirmed, that the Bureau of
Indian Affairs has the appropriate staffing to meet our federal trust
responsibilities.
Question 5. Do you commit to protecting Tribes' treaty rights
outside of their reservations, including and especially related to
mineral exploration and extraction?
Answer. If I am confirmed, I will work closely with tribal leaders
to ensure that we are meeting our federal trust responsibilities in
accordance with law.
Question 6. What exact role did you plan in the negotiations and
implementation of the CARES Act?
Answer. I was proud to be a part of the first Trump Administration,
re-election campaign, and the 2024 campaign. During the CARES Act
negotiations and implementation, I was no longer working at the White
House, but because of my previous role, I was in contact with multiple
tribes, tribal leaders and tribal representatives in an unpaid capacity
to help them think through the best course of action when it came to
CARES Act funding for their tribes. I also remained in contact with the
White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.
Question 7. What do you see as BIA's responsibilities to states
covered by P.L. 280?
Answer. I am not at the Department and not versed in the nuances of
this statute, but if confirmed, would welcome the opportunity to learn
more about it as it relates to the BIA.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ben Ray Lujan to
William ``Billy'' Kirkland
Question 1. During our exchange, we discussed your involvement in
the CARES Act and Tribal funding, which was added to the legislation
after your time at the White House. Please clarify your role and what
you did specifically to ensure funding for Tribes in the CARES Act.
Answer. I was proud to be a part of the first Trump Administration,
re-election campaign, and the 2024 campaign. During the CARES Act
negotiations and implementation, I was no longer working at the White
House, but because of my previous role, I was in contact with multiple
tribes, tribal leaders and tribal representatives in an unpaid capacity
to help them think through the best course of action when it came to
CARES Act funding for their tribes. I also remained in contact with the
White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.
Question 2. You say in your testimony that the Trump Administration
was the first Administration to officially recognize the crisis of
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Please clarify this as I
am aware of efforts going back to the Clinton Administration to
recognize this crisis.
Answer. While advocacy groups and tribal leaders had raised
awareness about the violence against Native women in previous
administrations, President Trump was the first president to issue an
Executive Order forming a Presidential Task Force on Missing and
Murdered American Indian and Alaska Natives and to establish and fund a
federal office, the Cold Case Task Force Office, dedicated to missing
and murdered Indigenous people, particularly missing and murdered women
and girls. In 2020, President Trump signed Savanna's Act and the Not
Invisible Act, building on the momentum established by his Executive
Order
Question 3. Please outline your efforts and work with the
Department of the Interior, the Department of Justice, or any other
agencies with which you worked on the MMIW crisis during your time at
the White House.
Answer. During the lead up to President Trump issuing an executive
order establishing Operation Lady Justice, I worked with tribal leaders
and tribal representatives and with the White House Office of
Intergovernmental Affairs as they consulted with the Department of the
Interior and other federal agencies and planned regional meetings and
consultations on this critical issue.
Question 4. According to DOJ, at the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025,
FBI's Indian Country program had approximately 4,300 open
investigations, including over 900 death investigations, 1,000 child
abuse investigations, and more than 500 domestic violence and adult
sexual abuse investigations. If you are confirmed, what is your plan to
address this backlog of investigations in coordination with DOJ?
Answer. Violent crime and abuse suffered by Native American
communities is a tragedy. If confirmed, I will quickly be brought up to
speed on this longstanding issue. I will build upon my past experience
and relationships I have established with tribal leaders and government
officials to work closely with tribal governments, the Department and
interagency partners including the Department of Justice to ensure
Indian Country has the resources it needs to keep Native families safe.
Question 5. How will you work with DOJ, HHS, and other agencies
with public safety responsibilities, including preventing violence
against women and families, to American Indians, Native Hawaiians, and
Alaska Natives?
Answer. As I noted above, if confirmed, I will build upon my past
experience and relationships I have established with tribal leaders and
government officials to work closely with tribal governments, the
Department and interagency partners including the Department of Justice
to ensure Indian Country has the resources it needs to keep native
families safe.
Question 6. Please clarify yom working relationship with Ralph Reed
and explain why you chose to work for an organization led by him after
high profile allegations related to fraud and other wrongdoing were
alleged against Reed.
Answer. The Faith & Freedom Coalition is committed to educating,
equipping, and mobilizing voters of faith. It promotes lowering the tax
burden on small businesses and families while promoting family values
and requiring the government to spend responsibly. While at the Faith &
Freedom Coalition, I served as the National Field Director. We worked
to educate voters and encouraged them to vote. Ralph Reed served as the
Chairman of the organization.
Question 7. During our exchange, we discussed Indian Water Rights
Settlements and the importance of living up to our Trust
responsibility. We discussed the Navajo-Gallup Water Settlement, but
you asked me to clarify the other number of settlements in New Mexico.
Please see below for a list of the Indian Water Rights Settlements in
New Mexico.
A. If confinned, will you advocate for funding and completion
of the Navajo-Gallup Water Project and others?
B. Will you advocate to make funding of water settlements
mandatory?
Information on New Mexico's water rights settlements
In total, New Mexico has seven recognized Indian (tribal/Pueblo)
water rights settlements, as listed by the New Mexico Office of the
State Engineer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Settlement Name Tribes/Pueblos Covered
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aamodt Water Rights Settlement Nambe, Pojoaque, Tesuque, San
Ildefonso
Taos Pueblo Water Rights Settlement Taos
San Juan Basin/Navajo Nation Settlement Navajo Nation
Zuni Tribe Water Rights Settlement Zuni Tribe
Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Settlement Ohkay Owingeh
Rio San Jose Stream System Local Acoma & Laguna Pueblos
Settlement
Pueblos of Jemez & Zia Water Rights Jemez & Zia
Settlement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
These seven represent the major formally negotiated and approved
agreements in New Mexico. The first three (Aamodt, Taos, Navajo-San
Juan) were resolved earlier, while the Zuni, Ohkay Owingeh (Rio Chama),
Rio San Jose, and Jemez & Zia settlements are more recent-some pending
or recently approved at the federal level.
Answer. I understand that negotiated Indian water rights
settlements can resolve lengthy, contentious litigation among tribes
and surrounding communities, provide certainty to water users and
support tribal sovereignty and self-determination. And I appreciate the
information provided regarding the scope of Indian Water Rights
Settlements in New Mexico. If confirmed, I would work to ensure federal
responsibilities provided in enacted water rights settlements,
including those in New Mexico, are met so that tribes have access to
clean, reliable water supplies.
Question 8. How will you advocate for ongoing and future Indian
water rights settlements, if confirmed, in your role as a member of the
DOI Working Group on Indian Water Rights Settlements?
a. Will this advocacy include sufficient and statutory funding
for such settlements?
Answer. While I am not at the Department, I understand that the
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs is a member of the Working Group
which makes recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior on Indian
water rights settlements and settlement policy. If confirmed, I would
look forward to being briefed on this important subject and to working
with my colleagues in the Department and the Administration to
determine appropriate funding levels.