S.Hrg.119-151

1[Senate Hearing 119-151]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34                                                      S. Hrg. 119-15156NOMINATION OF WILLIAM ``BILLY'' KIRKLAND TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR7               INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR89=======================================================================1011                                HEARING1213                               before the1415                      COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS16                          UNITED STATES SENATE1718                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS1920                             FIRST SESSION2122                               __________2324                             JULY 17, 20252526                               __________2728         Printed for the use of the Committee on Indian Affairs2930 [GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]3132                U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE33 61-531 PDF              WASHINGTON : 20253435                      COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS3637                    LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska, Chairman38                  BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii, Vice Chairman39JOHN HOEVEN, North Dakota            MARIA CANTWELL, Washington40STEVE DAINES, Montana                CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, Nevada41MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma           TINA SMITH, Minnesota42MIKE ROUNDS, South Dakota            BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico43JERRY MORAN, Kansas4445Amber Ebarb, Majority Staff          Jennifer Romero, Minority Staff46    Director                             Director and Chief Counsel47Lucy Murfitt, Chief Counsel          Alanna Purdy, Policy Advisor48                                     Lenna Aoki, General Counsel49                            C O N T E N T S5051                              ----------52                                                                   Page53Hearing held on July 17, 2025....................................     154Statement of Senator Cantwell....................................    3355Statement of Senator Cortez Masto................................    2956Statement of Senator Daines......................................    2257Statement of Senator Lujan.......................................    2458Statement of Senator Mullin......................................    3159Statement of Senator Murkowski...................................     160Statement of Senator Schatz......................................    186162                               Witnesses6364Jack, Hon. Brian, U.S. Representative from Georgia...............     365Kirkland, William ``Billy'', Nominee for the Position of66  Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the67  Interior.......................................................     568    Prepared statement...........................................     86970                                Appendix7172Jackson, Hon. Ryan, Acting Chairman, Hoopa Valley Tribe, prepared73  statement......................................................    4174Letters submitted for the record................................. 42-6475Response to written questions submitted to William ``Billy''76  Kirkland by:77    Hon. Maria Cantwell..........................................    7878    Hon. Ben Ray Lujan...........................................    8179    Hon. Mike Rounds.............................................    6480    Hon. Brian Schatz............................................    6581    Hon. Tina Smith..............................................    818283NOMINATION OF WILLIAM ``BILLY'' KIRKLAND TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR84               INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR8586                              ----------8788                        THURSDAY, JULY 17, 20258990                                       U.S. Senate,91                               Committee on Indian Affairs,92                                                    Washington, DC.93    The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 2:50 p.m. in room94628, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Lisa Murkowski,95Chairman of the Committee, presiding.9697           OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. LISA MURKOWSKI,98                    U.S. SENATOR FROM ALASKA99100    The Chairman. Good afternoon. I will call this nomination101hearing to order.102    It should be noted that my Vice Chair is not here yet. We103are in the midst of a series of five votes that have just104kicked off. So we have already had to reschedule this105nomination hearing for Mr. Kirkland once. We don't want to do106that. This is an important position that we would like to be107able to advance through our process.108    So as members kind of hop in and hop out, we appreciate109your indulgence, and please take that as no sign of disrespect110or disinterest in the nominee and the position.111    I want to welcome you, Mr. Kirkland. Thank you for your112willingness to serve. Congratulations on your nomination. I113appreciate the visit that we had a couple of weeks ago. I look114forward to continuing conversation and dialogue today and then115beyond.116    The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs is an important117position at the Interior Department. Your job, if confirmed,118will be to assist and support Secretary Burgum in fulfilling119the United States' trust responsibility to the federally-120recognized American Indians and Alaska Native tribes and121individual Indian Trust beneficiaries across the Country.122    This trust responsibility is the cornerstone of Federal123Indian law and policy. It is the legal and moral basis for124upholding tribal sovereignty and rights of self-governance of125tribes. The trust management of over 55 million acres of Indian126trust lands and the provision of basic social, financial and127educational services for Native people, through three bureaus,128Indian Affairs, Indian Education, and the Trust Fund's129administration that you will lead.130    So let that sink in for a minute. You probably have, and131for all the people who are gathered here in this room who are132here to support you, this is a big deal. The gravity of this133responsibility is a big deal. You will be called upon to134understand the challenges that American Indians and Alaska135Natives face in our Country, and to work to provide solutions.136    Your decision on matters for your office, whether approval137of a land into trust application, Federal recognition of a138tribe, a go-ahead on an energy development project or gaming139operation, or the building of critical infrastructure such as140housing, water or roads, they will matter. They will matter to141the lives of Native people.142    There are treaties, very unique laws to navigate, not to143mention ongoing debates about education, economic empowerment,144public safety and tribal jurisdiction. There are over 500145federally-recognized tribe to serve, with more than 200 of146those in my home State of Alaska, all with different histories147and cultures. The cliche that one size fits all does not148reflect or fit Indian Country. I think we recognize that.149    The job of Assistant Secretary is not an easy one. Right150now, the department and the bureaus you would oversee are in a151major flux. The workforce has been drastically reduced, nearly15220 percent according to the numbers that we have from the153department. And the recent budget proposal for Indian Affairs154programs is unserious, at best. I think we have to do better.155    When we talked in my office, you described yourself as a156strong conduit between Native people and their needs and the157White House and the rest of the administration. I look forward158to hearing more about how you can be a strong advocate for all159Native peoples and how you will make their lives better.160    We have a lot of issues to work on, but I just want to161highlight a few here. First, and this was one that we had162discussion about, but it is the probate backlog. Seven years.163Seven years is absolutely too long to wait when a family risks164losing their home simply because of the death of a parent or a165grandparent.166    We also have to speed up the relocation of Native villages167that have been threatened by a changing climate. In Alaska, we168have whole communities, I talk a lot about Newtok, some of the169staff visited the river community of Huslia. They are literally170falling into rivers, as Huslia is, or the ocean, as Newtok is.171The survival of these villages depends on continuing and172building on Federal assistance.173    There are more than 1,000 contaminated sites on Native-174owned lands that the Federal Government is legally responsible175for cleaning up in Alaska. We need to eliminate this public176health threat and be able to redevelop these lands where it177makes sense.178    Of course, it goes without saying that we must continue to179protect our most vulnerable populations, women and children,180through the implementation of VAWA 2022, increased law181enforcement, support for tribal courts, the Tiwahe Initiative,182and reducing cases of MMIW.183    And of course, these are not just Alaska issues. These are184issued faced by Native communities across the Country.185    So, Mr. Kirkland, I am looking forward to hearing more186about your vision at the Office of Assistant Secretary for187Indian Affairs this afternoon. I expect Committee members are188going to have additional questions for you after today's189hearing. We would look forward to your responses to those as190well.191    Again, thank you for being here. Congratulations to you.192What we will do is we will hold for Senator Schatz' comments193when he comes.194    But at this time, I would turn to Representative Brian Jack195to introduce Mr. Kirkland. Representative, thank you for coming196over to the Senate this afternoon. I know that you have197probably had to rearrange your day around this Committee's198schedule. So I appreciate your nimble abilities as well.199    If you would proceed with your introduction, and welcome.200201       HON. BRIAN JACK, U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM GEORGIA202203    Mr. Jack. Thank you, Chairwoman Murkowski, and thank you to204yourself, Vice Chairman Schatz, and Senators Hoeven, Daines,205Mullin, Rounds, Moran, Cantwell, Cortez Masto, Smith, and206Lujan, for your service on the Committee on Indian Affairs.207Thank you for providing me with the honor of introducing Mr.208William ``Billy'' Kirkland, III, at today's hearing.209    I acknowledge that I am a member of what some consider to210be the inferior chamber of Congress, so I respectfully ask that211you do not hold that against my best friend, Mr. Kirkland.212    Billy Kirkland has many wonderful attributes, but there are213three defining qualities that will make him an exceptional214Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. He is selfless, he is215loyal, and he is effective.216    Billy routinely sacrifices his time and resources for217anyone in need. Many of his family and friends are in the218audience and watching at home. Each of us has a story about how219Billy always puts us, others before himself.220    This was especially felt by our Country's Native American221tribes during his service in the administration. During our222time working together in President Trump's first term, Billy223routinely devoted his early mornings, his entire day and his224late evenings to providing our Country's tribal leaders with225meaningful moments and impactful interactions at the White226House. As Special Assistant to President Trump for227Intergovernmental Affairs, Billy was responsible for managing228the White House's engagement with tribal governments.229    And through his leadership, Billy organized one of the most230inspirational events of President Trump's first term, the231ceremony honoring Code Talkers from the Navajo Nation, Billy's232own tribe, in the Oval Office.233    During his time in the Trump administration, Billy's234relentless focus was to implement President Trump's efforts to235improve the quality of life for Native Americans across all 50236States. In that endeavor, he worked closely with Congress. He237worked with you and your colleagues to enact the Ashlynne Mike238Amber Alert in Indian Country Act, which protects Native239Americans. He worked with your colleagues and yourself,240Chairwoman Murkowski, to enact Savanna's Act, which addresses241the scourge of missing or murdered Native American women and242men. And he worked with your colleagues and yourself, Senator243Cortez Masto, to enact the Not Invisible Act of 2019, which244combats violent crime within tribal lands.245    He also worked across President Trump's administration to246identify opportunity zones to increase employment opportunities247and access to capital for our Native American communities.248    Throughout each and every one of these efforts, there was249one constant: you never saw Billy Kirkland's name in the press.250He felt then as he does today that the only credit that matters251is facilitating better lives for the millions of Americans252whose ancestors inhabited this land thousands of years before253many of our own.254    To this day, I have never seen Billy Kirkland meet a255stranger, whether he is sitting with a tribal elder or chatting256with a staffer in the hallway. He treats everyone with the same257respect and the same decency.258    Billy makes people feel seen and valued. That is something259we all know you cannot teach. People trust him because he is260genuine and because he is kind.261    More than anything, Billy is a family man. His wife, Paige,262and their three wonderful children are his foundation. And263Billy carries that identity into everything he does and his264perspective is grounded in what matters most, and informs how265he will lead the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs, as266Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.267    Effectiveness is an attribute all of us demand from our268elected and appointed officials. And in Billy, we have someone269who has the ability to enter office with immediate respect from270decision makers across President Trump's administration. His271voice and the credibility attached to it will ensure the needs272of Indian Country are swiftly addressed and solved.273    I close recognizing the powerful symbolism with Billy's274nomination. Nearly 200 years ago, our government enacted275legislation that led to the displacement of tens of thousands276of Native Americans. Native Americans in Georgia and many other277States were forcibly removed from their ancestral homelands.278    Yet today, 200 years later, the first Native American from279Georgia has been appointed and awaits confirmation to lead this280distinguished office. Additionally, never before has a member281of the Navajo Nation, whose members bravely helped us win World282War II, been appointed to lead this important post.283    As such, this distinguished panel has an opportunity to284make history today by advancing Mr. William ``Billy'' Kirkland285III's nomination to serve as the next United States Assistant286Secretary for Indian Affairs.287    I thank you for your time, your consideration, and the288opportunity to support my best friend. Thank you.289    Senator Murkowski. Thank you, Representative Jack. We290appreciate those comments and we send our good wishes to the291other chamber. Thank you so much.292    We will now swear you in, Mr. Kirkland, before you testify293before the Committee. If you will rise, please.294    The rules of the Committee which apply to all nominees295require that they be sworn in connection with their testimony.296Please raise your right hand.297    Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you are about to298give to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs shall be the299truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?300    Mr. Kirkland. Yes, I do.301    Senator Murkowski. Before you begin your statement, I will302ask you three questions that are asked to each nominee that303comes before the Committee.304    Will you be available to appear before this Committee and305other Congressional committees to represent departmental306positions and respond to issues of concern to the Congress?307    Mr. Kirkland. Yes.308    Senator Murkowski. Are you aware of any personal holdings,309investments, or interests that could constitute a conflict or310create an appearance of such a conflict should you be confirmed311and assume the office to which you have been nominated by the312President?313    Mr. Kirkland. No.314    Senator Murkowski. Are you involved, or do you have any315assets held in blind trusts?316    Mr. Kirkland. No.317    Senator Murkowski. Mr. Kirkland, thank you.318    You may proceed with your testimony. If you would like to319introduce your family, I think I have a suspicion that there320are a few of them behind you today. We welcome them to the321Committee. Extraordinarily well-behaved, I might add.322    We are going to try not to make this too boring for you323while you are sitting there supporting your dad. We know that324our nominees all have hard jobs, and the families that stand325behind them to allow them to serve are very important, and also326due respect.327    With that, Mr. Kirkland, the floor is yours.328329   STATEMENT OF WILLIAM ``BILLY'' KIRKLAND, NOMINEE FOR THE330     POSITION OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY, INDIAN AFFAIRS, U.S.331                   DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR332333    Mr. Kirkland. Thank you very much, Senator. I would like to334thank you first of all for the time I got to spend with you and335your staff. Also while not here, I would like to thank Vice336Chairman Schatz. I know he will be here soon and I can thank337him in person as well.338    I know that your staffs put a lot of time in to make sure339the important work of this Committee is done and executed. So I340thank them as well. I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to341meet with most of you and your staff. And over the past few342weeks, it was both a humbling and exciting experience.343    I would like to thank Congressman Brian Jack, who we344quickly sent to the lesser house, the lower house. Maybe he can345refine his chamber a little bit after spending some time with346you fine ladies and members. I would like to thank Brian Jack347for his friendship and his introduction.348    You mentioned my mother and father being here. I would like349to thank my mother, Gloria, and my father, Major Bill Kirkland.350I will come clean, today is his birthday, and we have a huge351surprise party back home that we are going to have to postpone.352    [Laughter.]353    Mr. Kirkland. And maybe actually now that this happened, we354can plan it as well.355    My sister is also in attendance. Most importantly, I would356like to thank my wife, Paige, for being here with our three357children. I would introduce them, but I think you might358actually hear from them, depending on how long this Committee359hearing lasts, Will, Carter and L.360    [Laughter.]361    Mr. Kirkland. I would also like to thank all the tribal362leaders that were here in support of my nomination that I got363to meet with. I met with 50-plus yesterday. We had a great364reception at the Capitol Hill Club.365    I would like to specifically point out Speaker Curley from366the Navajo Nation who is here. President Nygren was here367yesterday from the Navajo Nation. He had to get back to Navajo.368But he was supportive as well. I really appreciate their369support; it means a lot.370    It is an honor to be here today as President Donald Trump's371nominee to serve Indian Country as Assistant Secretary for372Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior. I was given373advice, and I have looked back and watched many of these374hearings. It seems pretty typical that when a Native American375addresses this Committee they typically introduce themselves in376their Native tongue.377    Unfortunately, I am no master of linguistics. If you ask my378high school English or Spanish teachers, or college for that379matter, they would probably tell you it wasn't a gift of mine.380My aunties also gave up years ago on me ever mastering the381Navajo language. I am sure they hope that I could at least382introduce myself, and give my clans here today. If I did that,383I might take up the majority of your time and you might miss384your remaining votes on the Floor.385    So I am going to simply say Ya'at'eeh, y'all. That is386Southern Navajo for hello.387    [Laughter.]388    Mr. Kirkland. My name is Billy Kirkland. I am a proud389member of the Navajo Nation. I was born just north of the Four390Sacred Mountains. I am the son of a Dine mother and a father391who served over 20 years in the U.S. Army.392    My mother's story is all too common in Indian Country. She393was taken from her ancestral homelands during a period known as394the Termination Era. She taught me strength and perseverance,395traits that define the Native communities, especially the396Navajo.397    My father, through his military career, taught me398commitment and sacrifice and the desire to serve. Growing up, I399was given unique perspectives and experiences due to my400father's career. I relocated over 15 times before graduating401high school, from one coast to the other, even overseas.402    Starting over in new environments with different403circumstances became second nature, but I learned no matter404where in the world my father's job took my family that I was405Dine. My mother taught me this. She taught me about Kit Carson406and the Long Walk. She taught me about heroic leaders like407Manuelito and the legacy they wanted to leave our people.408    She helped develop a deep respect for my heritage that has409been passed down through my clan relationships. I spent many410summer days in LeChee, chasing sheep and hauling water to my411Grandma Susie's sheep camp, because like on many reservations412even today, water is scarce, and electricity is still just a413dream.414    It is where I learned first-hand the infrastructure415struggles that are far too common still today in Indian416Country. I was able to develop an undeniable connection with417the land and the people.418    But my family has also experienced the darker realities of419reservation life, whether it be alcoholism, depression, or lack420of opportunity. I have seen first-hand the lack of opportunity,421specifically economic opportunity on my own reservation. When422the Navajo Generating Station was shut down in northern423Arizona, it devastated jobs in an already struggling community.424I know we can and must do better.425    I believe there is a way to bring meaningful opportunity to426Indian Country through balance, while honoring and preserving427our Native heritage and traditional ways. If confirmed, I428understand that the mission of Indian Affairs at the Department429of the Interior is to uphold a meaningful government-to-430government relationship with federally recognized tribes,431Alaska Natives and ANCs; to enact policies that support self-432determination and tribal sovereignty; and to steward trust433assets while maintaining the Federal trust responsibilities434that aim to support the social, cultural, and economic self-435sufficiency of tribal communities across Indian Country.436    While the Office of Indian Affairs has no official437oversight, we will be advocates for our Native Hawaiian438brothers and sisters. We will work to ensure that their legal439and moral obligations are carried out on their behalf.440    If confirmed, I will work with this Committee to uphold the441Federal trust responsibilities. More importantly, I will work442in partnership with tribal governments, tribal leaders, Alaska443Natives and ANCs. I believe they know best what their people444need, and know how to meet those needs better than any Federal445agency or bureaucrat in Washington, D.C.446    During my time in the White House, I was proud to work447closely with the Department of the Interior and the Office of448Indian Affairs on a range of issues. Our administration was the449first to formally recognize the crisis of Missing and Murdered450Indigenous Women. President Trump established Operation Lady451Justice and later signed into law Senate Bill 227, Savanna's452Act, and Senate Bill 982, the Not Invisible Act. I would like453to thank the members of the Committee, who I know put a lot of454time and work and effort into those bills.455    I was privileged to be part of the first administration to456recognize and honor and host Native Code Talkers in the Oval457Office. We worked to ensure that over 350 Opportunity Zones458were included in Native American lands. We formalized the DOI's459Opioid Task Force within the Office of Justice Services and460authorized the Ashlynne Mike AMBER Alert in Indian Country.461    We worked to ensure Indian Country was fully funded in the462CARES Act. These were all meaningful accomplishments. But much463work remains to be done. My prior experience in the White464House, in business, and in government relations has given me465unique tools and relationships to help serve all of Indian466Country, Alaska Native, ANCs and Native Hawaiians. I know that467collaboration and meaningful consultation with tribal leaders468must be a top priority.469    I will also lean on this Committee's expertise and470experience. I have reached out to seek advice from tribal471leaders and past Assistant Secretaries like Assistant Secretary472Sweeney and Assistant Secretary Larry Echohawk. If confirmed I473will continue to do so. I will continue to rely on the474knowledge of tribal leaders and this Committee in order to gain475their input to most effectively fulfill the duties of the476office of Assistant Secretary.477    As this Committee knows, Indian Country is not homogenous.478One size does not fit all. Each tribe is distinct. Each has its479own identity, history, and needs.480    If confirmed, my goal would be able to meet those needs and481further advance the self-governance and self-determination they482so desire. If confirmed, we will honor the diversity of Indian483Country by ensuring our policies are responsive, respectful,484and rooted in partnership and meet our trust responsibilities.485    I am happy to accept any questions and appreciate your486having me here today.487    [The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.488Kirkland follows:]489490   Prepared Statement of William ``Billy'' Kirkland, Nominee for the491Position of Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the492                                Interior493    Thank you, Chairwoman Murkowski, Vice Chairman Schatz, and members494of the Committee. I would also like to take a moment to thank your495staff for their time and effort. I know the long hours they routinely496put in to ensure the important work of this Committee is carried out497effectively. I've greatly appreciated the opportunity to meet with many498of you and your teams over the past few weeks. It has been both an499exciting and humbling experience.500    I want to thank Congressman Brian Jack for his introduction--and501more importantly, for his friendship. I also want to thank my mother,502Gloria, and my father, Major Bill Kirkland, for being here today in503support of my nomination. My brother and sister are also in attendance;504growing up, they made sure I wasn't the only Navajo in our school505systems. And most importantly, I'd like to thank my wife, Paige, for506being here with our three children--Will, Carter, and L.507    It is an honor to be here today as President Donald Trump's nominee508to serve Indian Country as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs509at the Department of the Interior.510    It seems typical when a Native American addresses this511distinguished Committee to begin with an introduction in their native512language. Unfortunately, linguistics is not one of my strengths. My513aunties gave up years ago on the idea of me mastering the Navajo514language, though I know they still held hope that I could at least515introduce myself properly and share my clans here with y'all today. The516sad truth is that if I attempted to do so, I'd likely use up all the517time allotted for this hearing. So instead, I'll simply say:518`Ya'at'eeh, y'all.'' For those wondering, that's Southern Navajo for519hello.''520    My name is Billy Kirkland. I'm a proud member of the Navajo Nation,521I am Biih Bitoodnii. I was born just north of the Four Sacred522Mountains. I am the son of a Dine mother and a father who served our523nation in the U.S. Army for over 20 years. My mother's story is one524that was all too common in Indian Country. She was taken from her525ancestral homeland and family, during a period that is now known as the526``Termination Era.'' She taught me strength and perseverance--traits527that define Native communities, especially among the Navajo. My father,528through his military career, taught me commitment and sacrifice.529    Growing up, I was given unique perspectives and experiences due to530my father's career. I relocated over 15 times before graduating high531school. From one coast to the other and even overseas. Starting over in532new environments with different circumstances became second nature, but533I learned no matter where in the world my father's job took my family534that I was Dine. My mom taught me this. She taught me about Kit Carson535and the Long Walk. About the heroic leadership of Manuelito and his536prophetic foresight with this famous quote ``My grandchildren,537education is a ladder. Tell our people to take it.'' She helped develop538a deep respect for my heritage, that is passed down through my clan539relationships. I spent many summer days in LeChee, chasing sheep and540hauling water to my Grandma Susie's sheep camp--because like on many541reservations even today, water is scarce, and electricity was just a542dream. It is where I learned first-hand the infrastructure struggles543that are far too common still today in Indian Country. I developed an544undeniable connection with the land and the people. But my family has545also experienced the darker realities of reservation life--alcoholism,546drug abuse, depression, and lack of opportunity. I've seen firsthand547the lack of economic opportunity in Indian Country. When the Navajo548Generating Station shut down in northern AZ, it devastated jobs in an549already struggling community. I know we can--and must--do better.550    The Navajo believe in Hozho--or balance. I believe there is a way551to bring meaningful opportunities to Indian Country while still552honoring and preserving our Native heritage and traditional ways. If553confirmed, I understand that the mission of Indian Affairs at the554Department of the Interior is to uphold meaningful government-to-555government relationships with federally recognized tribes, Alaska556Natives and ANCs; to enact policies that support self-determination and557tribal sovereignty; and to steward trust assets while maintaining the558federal trust responsibilities that aim to support the social,559cultural, and economic self-sufficiency of tribal communities across560Indian Country. And while the Office of Indian Affairs has no official561oversight role, we will be advocates for our Native Hawaiian brothers562and sisters. We will work to ensure that both the legal and moral563obligations are carried out on their behalf.564    If confirmed, I will work with this Committee to uphold the federal565trust responsibility. I will work in partnership with Tribal566Governments, Tribal Leaders, and ANCs to respond directly to the567challenges their communities face. I believe they are best positioned568to identify and implement the solutions their people need--better than569any federal agency or bureaucrat in Washington, D.C.570    During my time in the White House, I was proud to work closely with571the Department of the Interior and the Office of Indian Affairs on a572range of issues. Our administration was the first to formally recognize573the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. President Trump574established ``Operation Lady Justice'' and later issued a proclamation,575and later signed into law Senate Bill 227, Savanna's Act, and Senate576Bill 982, the Not Invisible Act.577    I was privileged to be part of the first administration to578recognize and honor Native Code Talkers in the Oval Office. We helped579ensure that over 350 Opportunity Zones included Native American lands.580We formalized the DOI Opioid Reduction Task Force within the Office of581Justice Services and implemented the Ashlynne Mike AMBER Alert in582Indian Country Act. We worked to ensure Indian Country was fully583included in the CARES Act, and we worked to streamline and overhaul584permitting processes. These were meaningful accomplishments--but much585work remains to be done.586    My prior experience in the White House, in business, and in587government relations has given me the unique tools to serve all Indian588Country, Alaska Native, ANCs and Native Hawaiians. I know that589collaboration and meaningful consultation with tribal leaders must be a590top priority in fulfilling the mission of the Office of Indian Affairs.591I once heard a smart Hawaiian say, ``you have to go slow to go fast.''592If confirmed, I intend to spend my first 90 days listening to tribal593leaders and the Congressional Committees of jurisdiction to understand594top priorities and develop a clear action plan. I will work to build595consensus and move quickly once met. I will lean on the Committees'596experience and expertise. I have reached out to and sought advice and597counsel from past Assistant Secretary Tara Sweeney and Larry Echohawk598and if confirmed I will rely on all Committee members and their input599to most effectively fulfill the duties of the Office of Assistant600Secretary for Indian Affairs.601    As this Committee knows, Indian Country is not a homogenous602community, one size does not fit all. Each tribe is distinct--each with603its own identity, history, and needs. My goal will be to meet those604needs and further self-governance. If confirmed my goal will be to605honor the diversity of Indian Country by ensuring our policies are606responsive, respectful, and rooted in partnership and meet our trust607responsibilities.608                                 ______609610                      a. biographical information611    1. Name: William Henry Kirkland III612613    2. Position to which nominated: Assistant Secretary--Indian614Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior615616    3. Date of nomination: 02/3/2025617618    4. Address: [Information not released to the public.]619620    5. Date and place of birth: [Information not released to the621public.]622623    6. Marital status: Happily married624625    7. Names and ages of children: [Information not released to the626public.]627628    8. Education:629630        Eagle's Landing High School, 1996-1998; College Preparatory,631        May 1998632633        University of Georgia, 2003-2009; AB Political Science, May634        2009635636    Additional coursework, no degree received, at the following637institutions: Gordon College, Barnesville, GA (1998-1999), Brigham638Young University, Provo, UT (1999), Clayton State College and639University, Morrow, GA (2002-2003)640641    9. Employment record:642643        Delta Airlines (ASA) (Ramp agent & baggage handler) Atlanta, GA644        DOE: (May 2002-Sept. 2002)645646        Henry County School District (Substitute Teacher) McDonough, GA647        (Jan. 2002-Jan. 2003)648649        State of Georgia, Office of Governor Sonny Perdue, (Office of650        Intergovernmental Affairs Intern) Atlanta, GA (Jan. 2003-April651        2005)652653        Georgia Republican Party, (Field Representative) Atlanta, GA654        (April 2006-Nov. 2006)655656        State Representative Jimmy Pruett (Legislative Assistant)657        Atlanta, GA (Jan 2006-April 2007)658659        Atlanta Baggage Express (Baggage Deliverer) College Park, GA660        (May 2005-April 2007)661662        Virginia House Republican Caucus (Campaign Manager) Sterling,663        VA (April 2007-Nov. 2007)664665        Center for an Educated Georgia (Outreach Specialist) Norcross,666        GA (Jan. 2008-Sept. 2009)667668        Faith and Freedom Coalition (National Field Director) Duluth,669        GA (July 2009-March 2013)670671        Perdue for Senate (Campaign Manager) Atlanta, GA (March 2013-672        Dec. 2014)673674        PWK Group LLC (Owner/Managing Partner) Atlanta, GA (Dec. 2014-675        Jan. 2017)676677        White House, Executive Office of the President (Special678        Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of679        Intergovernmental Affairs) (Jan. 2017-July 2018)680681        White House, Office of the Vice President (Special Assistant to682        the President and Director of External Affairs) (July 2018-Aug.683        2019)684685        Sun West Mortgage (Marketing) Cumming, GA (Jan. 2021-June 2021)686687        PWK Group LLC (Owner/Managing Partner) Norcross, GA (Aug. 2019-688        Present)689690        Wayne Halfway House, Inc. (Consultant) Waynesboro, TN (Sept.691        2021-Present)692693    1O. Government experience: The Commission on Presidential694Scholarships, Commissioner (Presidential Board and Commissions695Appointment)696697    11. Business relationships:698699    The list below represents current and former positions held to the700best of my knowledge and recollection.701702        PWK Group LLC--Managing Partner/Owner (Current)703704        Braves Holding, LLC (Atlanta Braves)--Consultant (Current)705706        Burt Jones for Georgia--Consultant (Current)707708        Harper for Georgia, Inc.--Consultant (Current)709710        WBJ Leadership Committee, Inc.--Consultant (Current)711712        Brian Jack for Congress--Consultant (Current)713714        Pace-O-Matic, Inc.--Consultant (Current)715716        BGR Group--Consultant (Current)717718        Freeport-McMoran (via BGR Group)--Consultant (Current)719720        Wayne Halfway House, Inc.--Consultant/Independent Contractor721        (Current)722723        Three Pines Leasing, LLC--Consultant (Current)724725        American Made Media Consultants--Consultant (Current)726727        National Public Affairs Strategies--Consulting services as Vice728        Presidenl of Political Strategy (Current)729730        Ag-Pro Companies--Consulting (Current)731732        A Healthy Future--Consultant733734        Georgia Racing and Entertainment, LLC--Consultant735736        Sun West Mortgage--Marketing737738        THM Consulting--Consultant739740        Piedmont Healthcare--Consultant741742        Prime Media Partners--Consultant743744        Century Strategies, LLC--Consultant745746        Indiana Innovation Council, Inc.--Consultant747748        Georgia Republican Party, Inc.--Consultant749750        Henry Erying for Utah--Consultant751752        Never Surrender, Inc. (Formally Donald J. Trump for President753        2024, Inc.)--Consultant754755        Lincoln Strategy Group--Consultant756757        Five Points Consulting--Consultant758759        Center for an Educated Georgia (Grassroots Outreach)760761        Trump Vance Inaugural Committee, Inc. (Consultant/Public762        Liaison)763764        Trump Pence Inaugural Committee (Consultant/Public Liaison)765766        Connect South767768        Potomac South769770    12. Memberships: Assistant Ward Clerk (Church ofJesus Christ of771Latter-Day Saints) Pilgrim Mill Ward, Cumming, GA772773    13. Political affiliations and activities:774775    (a) List all offices with a political party which you have held or776any public office for which you have been a candidate.777778    None.779780    (b) List all memberships and offices held in and services rendered781to all political parties or election committees during the last 10782years.783784    During the last 10 years, when serving as manager and owner of the785PWK Group LLC, I have provided consultant services to a number of786political campaigns, as identified in this questionnaire, and to the787Georgia Republican Party, Inc., the Republican National Committee, and788to Never Surrender, Inc. (Formally Donald J. Trump for President 2024,789Inc.). As Special Assistant to the President and Director of External790Afflairs in the Office of the Vice President, I worked with political791parties and election committees in my official capacity.792793    (c) Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign794organization, political party, political action committee, or similar795entity of $500 or more for the past 10 years.796797        Republican National Committee--$15,000 (7/1/2024)798        Brian Jack for Congress--$3300 (3/31/2024)799        Tyler Harper (GA)--$500 (10/24/2023)800        Brandon Beach--$1000 (8/28/2023)801        Jeff Landry--$1000 (5/16/23)802        Burt Jones--$2588 (12/21/2022)803        Tyler Harper--$500 (9/22/2022)804        Derek Schmidt--$500 (6/16/22)805        Blake Harbin--$500 (3/29/2022)806        Tim Fleming--$500 (3/9/2022)807        Burt Jones (GA)--$2583 (1/9/2022)808        Burt Jones--$1000 (9/9/2021)809        Tyler Harper--$1000 (8/30/2021)810        Kristi Noem--$4000 (1/1/2021)811        Kelly Loeffler--$2800 (12/1/2020)812        Corey Gardner--$500 (7/6/2020)813        Donald J Trump for President--$2800 (2/20/2020)814        Great America Commiltee--$5000 (6/30/2020)815        Georgia Republican Party- $1000 (4/8/2020)816        Donald J Trump--$1000 (5/12/2020)817818    14. Honors and awards: (List all scholarships, fellowships,819honorary degrees, honorary society memberships, military medals and any820other special recognitions for outstanding service or achievements.)821822        Hope Scholarship Award823        University of Georgia 40 Under 40 Recipient824        Eagle Scout825826    15. Published writings: (List the titles, publishers, and dates of827books, articles, reports, or other published materials which you have828written.)829830    President Trump Has Been A Godsend To The Faith Community, ARIZONA831DAILY INDEPENDENT (Oct 26, 2020)832833    16. Speeches: Provide the Committee with two copies of any formal834speeches you have delivered during the last 5 years which you have835copies of on topics relevant to the position for which you have been836nominated.837838    None839840    17. Selection:841842    (a) Do you know why you were selected for the position to which you843have been nominated by the President?844845    I believe I was nominated for my commitment to the American people846and my ability to bridge and manage various relationships between847different communities successfully. President Trump knows that I am848focused on improving the quality of life for American Indians and849Alaska Natives.850851    (b) What in your background or employment experience do you believe852affirmatively qualifies you for this particular appointment?853854    I spent my youth moving throughout our great country and even855abroad for a time. My family moved every 2 to 3 years, small rural856areas to major urban centers. I am the son of a Dine mother and Army857father. My mother taught me strength and perseverance that define858Native and specifically Navajo communities. My father taught me what859commitment and sacrifice were, and he showed me through his career in860the U.S. Army. I spent much of my childhood and youth starting over and861adapting to new environments repeatedly. My early adulthood was spent862serving a two-year mission for my church prior to graduating from The863University of Georgia. These combined experiences have translated to my864ability to adapt and learn quickly in different environments and865situations while instilling in me a desire to serve.866    My employment history spans working from landscaping crews, washing867dishes at a pizza restaurant, to serving the President in the White868House and starting and managing a successful small business. While in869the White House, I served as a Special Assistant to the President, as870the Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, and worked directly871with all non-federally elected officials, including Tribal Nations. In872that role, I interfaced with and served as the liaison to all federal873agencies on behalf of various non-federal elected officials. This874experience gave me the contextual knowledge and abilities required to875lead discussions and best navigate the administration's federal876agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes in carrying out877meaningful government-to-government communications and upholding the878federal government's trust responsibilities with all Tribal Nations.879    My background has made me comfortable in all situations and taught880me how to adapt quickly in new roles and environments. I am also881comfortable leading large organizations while managing multiple complex882projects and staff from various backgrounds. Working in the White883House, on political campaigns, and as a small business owner, I know884the importance of accountability and delivering results quickly.885                   b. future employment relationships886    1. Will you sever all connections with your present employers,887business firms, business associations, or business organizations if you888are confirmed by the Senate?889890    In accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement that I have891entered with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official and892that has been provided to this Committee, prior to assuming the duties893of my position, I plan to complete a sale of my financial interest in894PWK Group, LLC thereby terminating my position with PWK Group, LLC.895    If the sale of my financial interest in PWK Group, LLC cannot be896completed prior to assuming the duties of my position, then PWK Group,897LLC will cease engaging in any business, including the representation898of clients, and will remain dormant. Additionally, all amounts owed to899me by any of my clients will be fixed before I assume the duties of the900position of Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.901902    2. Do you have any plans, commitments, or agreements to pursue903outside employment, with or without compensation, during your service904with the government? If so, please explain.905906    No.907908    3. Do you have any plans, commitments, or agreements after909completing government service to resume employment, affiliation, or910practice with your previous employer, business firm, association, or911organization?912913    No.914915    4. Has anybody made a commitment to employ your services in any916capacity after you leave government service?917918    No.919920    5. If confirmed, do you expect to serve out your full term or until921the next Presidential election, whichever is applicable?922923    Yes.924925                   c. potential conflicts of interest926    1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation927agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,928clients, or customers.929930    As noted above, in accordance with the terms of the ethics931agreement that I have entered with the Department's Designated Agency932Ethics Official and that has been provided to this Committee, prior to933assuming the duties of my position, I plan to complete a sale of my934financial interest in PWK Group, LLC, thereby terminating my position935with PWK Group, LLC. The sale will be completed through a Membership936Interest Purchase Agreement, and I will receive full payment of the937enterprise value of my financial interest in PWK Group, LLC prior to938assuming the duties of my position.939    If the sale of my financial interest in PWK Group, LLC cannot be940completed prior to assuming the duties of my position, then PWK Group,941LLC will cease engaging in any business, including the representation942of clients and will remain dormant. Additionally, all amounts owed to943me by any of my clients will be fixed before I assume the duties of the944position of Assisiant Secretary--Indian Affairs.945946    2. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other947relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in948the position to which you have been nominated.949950    I have consulted with the Office of Government Ethics and the951Department of the Interior's Designated Agency Ethics Official to952identify potential conflicts of interest or appearances of conflicts of953interest. If confirmed, any potential conflicts will be resolved in954accordance with the terms of my Ethics Agreement that has been provided955to this Committee.956957    3. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial958transaction which you have had during the last 10 years, whether for959yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in960any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the961position to which you have been nominated.962963    I have consulted with the Office of Government Ethics and the964Department of the Interior's Designated Agency Ethics Official to965identify potential conflicts of interest or appearances of conflicts of966interest. If confirmed, any potential conflicts will be resolved in967accordance with the terms of my Ethics Agreement that has been provided968to this Committee.969970    4. Describe any activity during the past 1O years in which you have971engaged for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the972passage, defeat, or modification of any legislation or affecting the973administration and execution of law or public policy.974975    During my time in the White House, I advocated for legislation that976supported Administration policies from Operation Lady Justice to Tax977Reform to Trade Agreements to Supreme Court Nominations.978979    5. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest,980including any that may be disclosed by your responses to the above981items. (Please provide a copy of any trust or other agreements.)982983    I have consulted with the Office of Government Ethics and the984Department of the Interior's Designated Agency Ethics Official to985identify potential conflicts of interest or appearances of conflicts of986interest. If confirmed, any potential conflicts will be resolved in987accordance with the terms of my Ethics Agreement that has been provided988to this Committee.989990    6. Do you agree to have written opinions provided to the Committee991by the designated agency ethics officer of the agency to which you are992nominated and by the Office of Government Ethics concerning potential993conflicts of interest or any legal impediments to your serving in this994position?995996    Yes.997998                            d. legal matters999    1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics1000by or been the subject of a complaint to any court, administrative1001agency, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other1002professional group? If so, please explain.10031004    No.10051006    2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested charged, or held by1007any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority for violation1008for any Federal, State county or municipal law, regulation, or1009ordinance, other than for a minor traffic offense? If so, please1010explain.10111012    No.10131014    3. Have you or any entity, partnership or other association,1015whether incorporated or unincorporated, of which you are or were an1016officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency1017proceeding or civil litigation? If so, please explain.10181019    No.10201021    4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo1022contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic1023offense? If so, please explain.10241025    No.10261027    5. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,1028favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in1029connection with your nomination.10301031    None.10321033                     e. relationship with committee1034    1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with1035deadlines for information set by congressional committees?10361037    Yes.10381039    2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can1040to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal1041for their testimony and disclosures?10421043    Yes.10441045    3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested1046witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with1047firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee?10481049    Yes.10501051    4. Please explain how if confirmed, you will review regulations1052issued by your department/agency, and work closely with Congress to1053ensure that such regulations comply with the spirit of the laws passed1054by Congress.10551056    If confirmed I will work to take a diligent and responsible1057approach to reviewing regulations in coordination with the Department's1058Office of Policy and Regulatory Afflairs and the Office of the1059Solicitor. I will aim to ensure that regulations issued by Indian1060Affairs comply with the spirit of the laws passed by Congress.10611062    5. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly1063constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be1064reasonably requested to do so?10651066    Yes.10671068                  f. general qualifications and vlews1069    1. How does your previous professional experiences and education1070qualify you for the position for which you have been nominated?10711072    My professional experiences have been focused on advocating for and1073working to improve opportunities for all Americans. From starting a1074successful small business to serving in the White House, my1075professional career has been focused on result-oriented goals that1076promote self-determination and economic advancement. Most recently1077while serving in the White House, I served as a Special Assistant to1078the President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and1079worked directly with all non-federally elected officials. including1080tribal nations. In that role, I interfaced with and served as a liaison1081to all federal agencies on behalf of various non-federal elected1082officials. I learned how best to advocate for and on behalf of others1083within the federal government. I watched the importance of working with1084the legislative branch to successfully pass a meaningful agenda and1085policies and I know that local buy in and meaningful consultation is a1086must to successfully uphold the trust responsibility.10871088    2. Why do you wish to serve in the position for which you have been1089nominated?10901091    If confirmed to serve as the Assistant Secretary, it would be the1092highest honor of my professional career. During the first Trump1093Administration, the country enjoyed economic growth, individual1094liberties, and safely within our communities. I was blessed to be a1095member of the team serving in President Trump's first Administration,1096and I am confident the Administration will produce even greater1097economic development and growth throughout Indian Country. I know that1098by working to align the goals of President Trump and Congress,1099including the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, we can work to1100improve economic opponunities, energy exploration, education, and1101infrastructure, and we can work to improve tribal law enforcement and1102to improve the trust relationship with our tribal nations.11031104    3. What goals have you established for your first two years in this1105position, if confirmed?11061107    If confirmed I will work to support President Trump and the1108Secretary's goal to operate more efficiently and effectively with1109Tribal Nations. I will lead Indian Affairs, with input from Indian1110Country and Congress, in identifying reforms and changes to improve the1111lives of those under the trust responsibility of the federal1112government. Indian Affairs will strive to be accountable to Indian1113Country by maintaining an open-door policy and focusing on the trust1114relationship through tribal consultation and communication with1115Congress. This accountability and communication will allow Indian1116Affairs to further expand on successes and create opportunities for1117Indian Country--focusing on economic development and tribal1118sovereignty.11191120    4. What skills do you believe you may be lacking which may be1121necessary to successfully carry this position? What steps can be taken1122to obtain those skills?11231124    While I have spent invaluable time working within the White House1125and that time and experience will no doubt add in my service as the1126Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs, if confirmed, most of my work1127experience has been in the private sector. I will need to quickly be1128brought up to speed on all the responsibilities over which the position1129has authority. I look forward to working with the career and political1130appointees already in place to obtain the needed information to advance1131and elevate all of Indian Country.11321133    5. Please discuss your philosophical views on the role of1134government. Include a discussion or when you believe the government1135should involve itself in the private sector, when society's problems1136should be left to the private sector, and what standards should be used1137to determine when a government program is no longer necessary.11381139    In relationship to the federal government, I believe our role1140should be to manage foreign relations, protect individual rights1141through reasonable checks and balances, and maintain national security1142by maintaining a standing military. Specifically at the U.S. Department1143of the Interior and within Indian Affairs, the role and mission is to1144successfully maintain the trust responsibilities with our Tribal1145Nations and dutifully ensure meaningful consultation on all matters1146pertaining to Indian country.1147    Government should allow the private sector's problems to be worked1148out as much as possible within the private sector, but when private1149sector fails to protect consumer rights or ensure fairness the1150government should step in to protect the individual.1151    The rate at which the government engages in the private sector1152should be careful and timely as to not stifle private sector1153innovation, but like the private sector, government should be scalable1154and able to adjust. If a government program is no longer needed, I1155would suspect that constituency it served would let it be known and no1156longer request those services. After this information is brought to the1157Office of the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs a final decision can1158be made on the termination after thoughtful consultation.11591160    6. Describe the current mission, major programs, and major1161operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been1162nominated.11631164    The mission of the U.S. Department of the Interior is to protect1165and manage the nation's natural resources and cultural heritage with1166the assistance of the Office of the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs1167to fulfill the trust responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska1168Natives. This will be accomplished by working to ensure the missions of1169the BIA and BIE are realized and the goals of providing better economic1170and educational opportunities are met. The Office of the Assistant1171Secretary--Indian Affairs will work to improve the process and speed in1172which various approvals happen; how the land into trust process is1173managed, and upholding tribal sovereignty will all be significant1174missions.11751176    7. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the1177department/agency and why?11781179    A scalable, non uniformed approach to different communities in1180Indian Country. The Office of the Assistant Secrelary--Indian Affairs1181cannot carry out a one size fits all uniformed approach to achieving1182successful outcomes in Indian Country with such a wide variety of1183diverse community with different challenges. Sovereignty and self-1184governance remain challenging with bureaucratic tape and federal1185oversight. Education is the key to economic mobility and overhauling1186the bureaus and offices within Indian Affairs is a must to meet that1187goal.11881189    8. In reference to question number six, what factors in your1190opinion have kept the department/agency from achieving its missions1191over the past several years?11921193    The answer is simple. Institutional change is hard anywhere, but1194almost impossible within a bureaucratic setting. Comfort, complacency,1195and status quo are easy to stick with, but to meet the goals of the1196Department of the Interior, the Office of the Assistant Secretary--1197Indian Affairs has to disavow the status quo and increase collaboration1198with Indian Country and Congress to avoid the path of least resistance1199and make real change.12001201    9. Who are the stakeholders in the work of this department/agency?12021203    The stakeholders are vast. They include federally recognized Indian1204Tribes, their members and communities, private and tribal land and1205business owners operating within those communities, government1206agencies, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and other1207Congressional and elected leaders. And ultimately the American people.12081209    10. What is the proper relationship between the position to which1210you have been nominated, and the stakeholders identified in question1211number nine?12121213    I believe the Assistant Secretary should be readily accessible to1214all stakeholders and work in as transparent fashion as possible.12151216    11. The Chief Financial Officers Act requires all government1217departments and agencies to develop sound financial management1218practices.12191220    a) What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to1221ensure that your department/agency has proper management and accounting1222controls?12231224    If confirmed I will work with the appropriate staff to ensure that1225the management of all Indian Trust financial assets are managed1226responsibly and in compliance with all current laws and regulations.1227The Office of the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs will work to1228improve how current polices are carried out and look for ways to1229improve them.12301231    b) What experience do you have in managing a large organization?12321233    I have directly managed and supervised staff of over 1OO in various1234organizations. While in my role as Deputy Director of Intergovernmental1235Affairs at the White House I was responsible for managing the1236relationships of all non-federally elected officials nationwide. We1237implemented direct communications regularly with all elected officials1238we were responsible for. I am confident that, if confirmed, I will be1239able to navigate the large Indian Affairs organization while overseeing1240large scale projects meant to uphold the trust responsibilities of the1241federal government.12421243    12. The Government Performance and Results Act requires all1244government departments and agencies to identify measurable performance1245goals and to report to Congress on their success in achieving these1246goals.12471248    a) What benefits, if any, do you see in identifying performance1249goals and reporting on progress in achieving those goals?12501251    Reporting goals and progress are vital to any successfal1252organization planning. Without goals and reporting to hold departments1253and agencies accountable those goals are just a wish list. I look1254forward to working with staff to establish short- and long-term1255performance goals to be held accountable.12561257    b) What steps should Congress consider taking when a department/1258agency fails to achieve its performance goals? Should these steps1259include the elimination, privatization, downsizing, or consolidation of1260departments and/or programs?12611262    Congress should always take a thoughtful, pragmatic approach to1263investigating agency short comings and failures. If confirmed I will1264look forward to working with Congress, specifically the Senate Indian1265Affairs Committee, to analyze how to better maximize the Office of the1266Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs and how we are delivering services1267to Indian Country. Any changes in services being delivered within1268Indian Country should be made only after meaningful consultation.12691270    c) What performance goals do you believe should be applicable to1271your personal performance, if confirmed?12721273    If confirmed, I should be held to the same standard as others in1274similar positions. I look forward to working with the Qffice of the1275Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs to set impactful goals for the1276organization and for myself. The goals should focus on uplifting all1277constituents I will serve. Goals I have set for myself are to improve1278the government-to-governmenl relationships by improving the1279consultation process. I believe this will lead to more economic1280opportunities through increased access to capital and better broadband1281connectivity which will lead to better and more innovative education1282opportunities. Additionally, I will seek to accomplish a more1283streamlined approach to oil, gas, and mineral exploration throughout1284Indian Country.12851286    13. Please describe your philosophy of supervisor/employee1287relationships. Generally, what supervisory model do you follow? Have1288any employee complaints been brought against you?12891290    I believe in a simple yet proven relationship of trust and respect.1291Supervisor/employee relationships should be built with personal1292connections that create a family environment where everyone feels1293valued and respected Generally, I believe a supervisor should be1294defined by a shared set of values, which guide decisionmaking and1295foster a strong team culture. The supervisor should lead by example,1296they should demonstrate the values they stress by their actions and1297create a culture of high standards and accountability. I have never had1298an employee complaint brought against me.12991300    14. Describe your working relationship, if any, with the Congress.1301Does your professional experience include working with committees of1302Congress? lf yes, please explain.13031304    My professional experiences interacting with Congress have been1305mostly working to elect or re-elect members to Congress. I look forward1306to working with Congress and all pertinent Committees to advance Indian1307Country.13081309    15. Please explain what you believe to be the proper relationship1310between yourself, if confirmed, and the Inspector General of your1311department/agency.13121313    If confirmed, my working relationship with the Inspector General1314will be rooted in respect for compliance and the rule of law. I believe1315the Inspector General should have access to necessary information that1316allows them to provide appropriate feedback and recommendations on1317issues of waste, fraud, and abuse within the agency and department.13181319    16. In the areas under the department/agency's jurisdiction to1320which you have been nominated, what legislative action(s) should1321Congress consider as priorities? Please state your personal views.13221323    If confirmed I think Congress should consider any or all1324legislative action to better promote education reform, economic and1325resource development on tribal lands with a less paternalistic nature1326and more sovereignty for tribal stakeholders. These are all very broad1327in nature because I ultimately feel that priorities need to be made1328with meaningful consultation with Native communities, Tribes and1329Congress.13301331    17. Within your area of control, will you pledge to develop and1332implement a system that allocates discretionary spending in an open1333manner through a set of fair and objective established criteria? If1334yes, please explain what steps you intend to take and a timeframe for1335their implementation. If not, please explain why.13361337    If confirmed, transparency in all areas, including discretionary1338spending, will be a top priority. I will work to ensure that the trust1339relalionship is upheld and look forward to working with the Committee1340on Indian Affairs to implement any best practices.1341                           g. financial data1342    [Information not released to the public.]13431344                STATEMENT OF HON. BRIAN SCHATZ,1345                    U.S. SENATOR FROM HAWAII13461347    Senator Schatz. [Presiding.] Thank you, Mr. Kirkland. Thank1348you to you and your family for your willingness to serve.1349    For the information of everybody here and everybody1350watching, we are in the middle of a vote series. So the Chair1351and various members will be coming in and out. That does not1352diminish the importance of this hearing, just that we can't1353miss a vote.1354    I am going to give my opening statement and then roll right1355into my questions. Again, thank you to the nominee and to your1356family for joining us.1357    Today we examine the nomination of William H. ``Billy''1358Kirkland to be the 15th Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs,1359the highest-ranking Senate confirmed official in Indian Affairs1360at the Department of the Interior. If confirmed, Mr. Kirkland1361will be expected by statute and by tradition to fulfill the1362Federal Government's trust and treaty obligations and advocate1363for the advancement of those obligations across the entire1364administration.1365    Here in the Senate, our charge under the Constitution is to1366provide advice and consent through vigorous vetting and a1367clear-eyed review of qualifications, as well as Mr. Kirkland's1368preparedness to conduct himself as a fiduciary, that is his1369ability and due need to act in the best interests of American1370Indians and Alaska Natives, and to respect the Federal1371Government's special political and trust relationship with the1372Native Hawaiian community.1373    So this is not a courtesy review. As the Committee with1374primary jurisdiction over Indian affairs, Native Hawaiian, and1375Alaska Native affairs, we expect the Assistant Secretary to1376carry out the trust responsibility, maintain government-to-1377government relationships, honor tribal sovereignty and promote1378self-determination and self-governance. These duties are a1379given, no matter which party occupies the White House.1380    The Assistant Secretary must also have a deep respect for1381Federal Indian law and policy and demonstrate unimpeachable1382ethics and a commitment to transparency. Based on these metrics1383and after a thorough review of his questionnaires, I have some1384clarifying questions which I will be asking. Specifically, I1385will be asking Mr. Kirkland to explain his qualifications to1386serve in this position, and we have talked about this.1387    I will ask him questions to assure that his close1388involvement in political campaigns at the State and Federal1389levels, which are not disqualifying, will not affect his1390ability to serve the best interests of Indian Country. And I1391will probe Mr. Kirkland's willingness to comply with Federal1392ethics laws and agency guidance throughout his tenure.1393    As I have said many times before, this Committee's1394bipartisanship is its strength. We should agree that the1395Federal trust responsibilities to Indian tribes is one of the1396highest moral and legal obligations that we have, and it is our1397duty to ensure that the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs1398is held to that exacting standard.1399    So I am just going to ask a series of questions. They are a1400little tough, but they are not gotchas. Just to get you ready.1401    In your ethics paperwork, you reserved the right to seek1402conflict of interest and personal financial interest waivers1403under current law. I would like to understand that a little bit1404better, and I just want to put the question directly to you.1405    Will you pledge not to request or accept any ethics1406waivers?1407    Mr. Kirkland. I pledge to work with the Office of Ethics,1408the career staffers within the Department of Interior, to make1409sure whatever I am doing or whatever I do do is always1410ethically in line with whatever law is in place, and remain1411ethically compliant in all ways.1412    Senator Schatz. Sure. I get that. You will work with the1413lawyers in the department to figure out how to comply with the1414statute.1415    My question is, you are going to have the discretion about1416whether or not to ask for a waiver. And that is not up to the1417lawyers. You get to say, I would like not, I think I have a1418conflict here, I think it is close enough to a conflict here,1419that you just say, let me stay out of this, let me build a1420firewall and let other people handle it.1421    So you don't have to check with the lawyers to say, I am1422not going to be seeking any waivers of the ethics laws. It is1423up to you to decide that. You don't have to confer with the1424lawyers.1425    You only confer with the lawyers when you are saying, hey,1426would it be okay if I got a waiver from the ethics laws in1427order to work on this thing, where I could be at least1428conflict-adjacent.1429    So I am just going to put the question to you a second1430time. This is not a trick question. It just seems to me if I1431were you coming into this position, I would just say, look, if1432anything looks close to an ethical conflict, I am not even1433going to check, I am going to recuse.1434    Mr. Kirkland. Senator, I appreciate your question. I am not1435aware of any ethical conflicts or any waivers being requested,1436and I will continue to make sure that I am compliant in all1437ways moving forward.1438    Senator Schatz. Your 2025 ethics paperwork says you1439``plan'' to sell your political consulting group, the PWK1440group, to Potomac South, a registered lobbying firm.1441    What is the status of that sale? Are you going to execute1442the sale before you take --1443    Mr. Kirkland. If lucky enough to be confirmed and honored1444enough to serve in the position, and this Committee decides my1445worthiness to be confirmed, yes, sir. Everything will be1446ethically handled and passed over before I take office.1447    Senator Schatz. And you will provide the Committee with a1448copy of the purchase agreement for that sale?1449    Mr. Kirkland. Happy to remain compliant in all ways and do1450whatever I am asked to do, yes, sir.1451    Senator Schatz. And can I confirm, again, I am just running1452the traps here, I am not making an accusation.1453    Mr. Kirkland. Oh, sure, no problem.1454    Senator Schatz. Okay. Can I confirm that neither you nor1455either of your family will retain a financial interest in the1456firm?1457    Mr. Kirkland. Yes, sir.1458    Senator Schatz. Thank you.1459    I want to ask you about equal treatment of tribes. In 1994,1460Congress made clear that all tribes, whether recognized by1461Congress, the Executive Branch or the Federal courts, are1462entitled to the ``same privileges and immunities as another.''1463That is 25 U.S.C. 5123(f). That means that no matter how or1464when they were federally recognized, all federally-recognized1465tribes have the same seat at the table with the U.S.1466Government.1467    Mr. Kirkland, yes or no, do you agree that all federally1468recognized tribes are entitled to the same privileges and1469immunities regardless of how or when they were acknowledged?1470    Mr. Kirkland. I believe that all federally-recognized1471tribes have a treaty obligation that the U.S. Government has to1472respect and follow the law in terms of how those obligations1473have been recorded.1474    Senator Schatz. Yes, but this is a little more of a1475specific question. The law establishes that it doesn't matter1476how or when you were recognized, administrative process1477recently, legislative process 100 years ago, if you are1478federally recognized, then you are treated equally by the1479Department of the Interior.1480    And my question is, will you abide by that legal principle?1481    Mr. Kirkland. I look forward to abiding by all legal1482principles and following --1483    Senator Schatz. Okay, do you agree that that is a legal1484principle?1485    Mr. Kirkland. I am unfamiliar with that particular statute1486and term. As you pointed out, and will continue to point out, I1487am sure not a legal scholar. But I look forward to working with1488the department attorneys and in the Office of the Solicitor to1489review anything else that I need to further update myself on.1490    Senator Schatz. Okay. This is going to be the toughest one,1491and we had a conversation about this in private.1492    You were a senior presential campaign advisor in 2020 in1493Georgia. I just want to say, it is okay to work as a political1494operative. Some of my best friends are political operatives.1495Very few of my best friends are political operatives who are1496Republicans. But it is fine.1497    That is not disqualifying. But there was reporting that was1498kind of ambiguous as to a specific sort of event. So I just1499want to hear you under oath. As a senior presidential campaign1500advisor in 2020, did you participate in, direct, or have any1501personal knowledge of the President's Georgia pressure1502campaign, his phone call with the Georgia Secretary of State,1503or the electors scheme?1504    Mr. Kirkland. I will just review, as you said, under oath I1505am happy to reaffirm that. But also just to rehash our1506conversation in your office--1507    Senator Schatz. You just said, ``reaffirm that.'' I am not1508trying to be tricky; I just want to--1509    Mr. Kirkland. I understand. You mentioned that we had this1510conversation once before.1511    Senator Schatz. Yes.1512    Mr. Kirkland. And I am happy to echo that conversation.1513Never have I talked to any of the press that reported those1514incidents. I was not involved in the conversation that took1515place. I was not in the vicinity or the room with the President1516or on a telephone.1517    Senator Schatz. Thank you.1518    I suppose it depends who you ask whether that was a tough1519one, or this is the toughest one.1520    We talked a little bit about this. Let me put it this way:1521I make sort of a half joke about how we in the United States1522Senate are probably not even qualified to be our own LAs, or1523legislative directors, because of the deep subject matter1524expertise.1525    So it is not a knock on someone to say that they may lack1526the deep subject matter expertise necessary for a particular1527position. I think the knock on you would be that you are not1528deeply ensconced in Indian law, you don't have 30 years of1529tribal leadership, you know. You have demonstrated capabilities1530in other areas.1531    But my question is, how we are going to work around, I1532remember talking to Jim Bridenstine, who was a member of1533Congress who ended up being the NASA Administrator. Most NASA1534Administrators had a deep scientific background. I talked to1535him about it.1536    And he ended up being a good NASA Administrator. Why?1537Because he knew what he didn't know, right? He ended up1538surrounding himself with a bunch of scientists, and not always1539doing what they asked, but relying on their expertise. We know1540a lot about that in the United States Senate, because you just1541can't know everything.1542    But I think it is fair to say you do not possess deep1543expertise in this space. So how do you plan to work around1544that?1545    It is not a knock on your leadership capacity. But I do1546think that if you look at the people who have held this1547position, a lot of them have 20, 30 years on a CV that says,1548oh, that makes sense. And for you, you have a nexus and a1549passion for tribal issues.1550    But I want to be satisfied that if you are not in personal1551possession of the expertise that you are going to figure out a1552way to find it and rely upon it.1553    So could you speak to that?1554    Mr. Kirkland. Senator, I appreciate your question. As I1555mentioned, you were handling the duties of the Senate and1556voting and weren't here and missed my opening statement. I1557mentioned that the process of getting to know your staffs and1558meeting with you was both exciting and humbling, whether it was1559questioning ever so politely qualifications, or even the1560ability to do jobs, or where I was from or how I was raised or1561even if I--having the ability to speak Navajo almost kept me1562from taking seriously in this job. It is like I say, a very1563humbling experience.1564    In terms of qualifications, while both in business and in1565my government service in the White House, I will start there1566specifically, we were the outwardly facing office to--I am1567sorry, I thought there for a second there my two-year-old had1568escaped.1569    We were the outwardly facing office for all non-federally1570elected officials. That include managing coordination and1571relationships with 50 governors, 99 State legislative bodies,15727,386 State legislators. On the county government side, that1573was 33,144 counties, roughly over 19,000 elected county1574commissioners and county board members.1575    My background both in the White House and in business1576includes managing complex issues, managing multiple1577personalities, people, subject matter, building coalitions,1578navigating difficult issues within a diverse constituency,1579managing budgets, coordinating with multiple stakeholders.1580    You mentioned political campaigns, or marketing, for that1581matter. In a campaign or marketing campaign, typically you have1582a really set time period to be successful. You have to identify1583key priorities and move quickly to make those priorities1584successful. And you don't have a six-year span to do that.1585Oftentimes you have months or even a year, but there is a1586deadline, and if you are not successful, either you win or you1587lose. And if you lose, you don't last in a business long,1588whether that is getting new clients or winning an election.1589    I plan to take those skills I have used and learned in both1590my government experience and my personal life to serve Indian1591Affairs. I think that we are in a time where a lot of issues1592that need to be met, they are timely, and those are the skill1593sets that I want to take to serve Indian Country in the Office1594of the Assistant Secretary.1595    Senator Schatz. Thank you.1596    Senator Murkowski. [Presiding.] I am going to defer to1597Senator Daines. We are all going to popping in and out with1598these votes, and I am going to be here for a while. So we will1599go to Senator Daines.16001601                STATEMENT OF HON. STEVE DAINES,1602                   U.S. SENATOR FROM MONTANA16031604    Senator Daines. Chair Murkowski, thank you.1605    I appreciate my colleague Senator Schatz, with some of his1606question about what qualification is needed for this job. But1607just for what it is worth, I have a picture of the org chart1608here. You will literally be overseeing thousands of employees1609reporting to you.1610    With all due respect, I don't think we have to be subject1611matter experts, deep, on all these topics. What really this is1612about is leadership and managing a large and complex1613organization.1614    So with all due respect to my colleague, Senator Schatz, I1615think leadership qualities, passion and mission are probably1616the most important part of what it takes when you are at the1617top of an organization like this. I just wanted to make that1618comment.1619    Mr. Kirkland, thank you for coming before this Committee1620today. I appreciate your willingness to serve. I appreciate1621your family's willingness to serve with you in this. It is a1622very important position and I look forward to working with you.1623    The Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs is tasked with1624fulfilling the government's trust responsibilities to both our1625tribal nations as well as supporting self-determination.1626Unfortunately, as I spend a lot of time with my tribal leaders1627across Montana, they have told me time and time again that the1628Bureau of Indian Affairs is falling short in that very1629important mission.1630    Public safety is the number one concern. I hear this from1631Indian Country all the time. And frankly, on the ground, it is1632beyond a full-blown crisis in Montana. Cartel members are1633exploiting jurisdictional loopholes and often operating with1634impunity on Montana's reservations. Tribal law enforcement are1635trying to police some areas that are larger than Rhode Island1636with only a handful of officers and insufficient resources.1637    Going back about 10 years, drug overdoses in Montana have1638skyrocketed, and deaths in Indian Country are three times1639higher than the rest of Montana. I appreciate my colleague,1640Senator Smith, for working with me to introduce the Protection1641for Reservation Occupants against Trafficking and Evasive1642Communications Today Act. This bill is going to help give1643tribal law enforcement the tools they need to police our1644communities, stop the flow of deadly drugs on the reservations1645like fentanyl and meth.1646    Mr. Kirkland, will you commit to working with me to enhance1647public safety? This is one of the top issues I am hearing from1648my tribal leaders, to enhance public safety in Indian Country1649and to help tribal law enforcement get the resources they so1650badly need?1651    Mr. Kirkland. Senator, I appreciate your question and I1652enjoyed spending time with you in your office recently with1653your staff. I have also enjoyed visiting your State, and with1654the Crow, a few years ago, in the former administration.1655    As you know, and are well aware, the law enforcement and1656public safety are a priority of this administration. It is1657something that Secretary Burgum takes very seriously and I look1658forward to working with you to advance that within your State,1659with your tribes.1660    Senator Daines. Thank you, Mr. Kirkland.1661    You have a good boss in Doug Burgum as well. He has been a1662dear friend for many years personally with me. I remember he1663chatted with me one day when he was thinking about running for1664public office, and asked me, what do you think about running1665for governor some day of North Dakota? I said, that is a great1666idea, Doug, you should do it.1667    Mr. Kirkland. And Senator, not to go too far off topic, but1668literally walking in, a good friend also said, Secretary Purdue1669said to say make sure to say hello as well.1670    Senator Daines. Thank you. He is great. And likewise.1671    Mr. Kirkland. So for the record, I can say that I said1672hello.1673    Senator Daines. You did for the record say hello back at1674you, right?1675    Let me talk about the water some, this is another high1676priority for us in Montana. Montana is a semi-arid State. I1677will tell folks back home that D.C. gets more rain than Seattle1678does. Check it out. They have more annual rainfall here than1679Seattle. This is a swampy, wet place, with about 40 inches of1680rain.1681    Out in Montana, we are semi-arid. It is between 12 and 161682inches of rain per year. So yes, we have beautiful rivers and1683we are a headwater State of the Missouri. But our livelihoods1684depends on water. I envy Chairman Murkowski in Alaska. She is1685surrounded by water. She has a lot of water; Alaska has good1686precipitation. And we are pretty arid up in Montana. So water1687settlements are a big deal.1688    The Fort Belknap are the original Winters tribe. And their1689settlement has been over a century, a century is over 1001690years, in the making. After decades of negotiation and strong1691leadership from President Jeff Stiffarm, who has been a great1692friend and ally and a courageous president, we are almost1693across the finish line to settle a 100-year issue.1694    Without a settlement, farmers, ranchers, water users are1695left in limbo, and these issues are going to end up being1696litigated in court. This will help bring clean drinking water1697to the reservation and provide certainty for not only tribal1698users, but non-tribal water users alike.1699    This settlement has already passed the Senate twice, and1700has unanimous support from the tribe, the State of Montana,1701relevant counties, and the entire Montana delegation.1702    Mr. Kirkland, do you agree it is important to enact this1703agreement to settle a 100-year dispute to close out the last1704water settlement in Montana, and will you work with Congress to1705get this done?1706    Mr. Kirkland. I want to work with Congress to make sure1707that we comply with all treaty obligations to honor our trust1708responsibility with tribes. Water is vital to life.1709    In my opening statement, I mentioned I have many keen1710memories of having to haul water to my Grandma Susie's sheep1711camp because it is not there. Oftentimes driving, 30, 40 miles1712to find the water. So I look forward to working with you and1713your staff on your water issues.1714    Senator Daines. Thank you. I have a closing sentence and1715then I will turn it over back to the Chairman because I am out1716of time.1717    I wanted to thank you for your comments and I want to1718encourage you and urge you to engage with Montana tribes once1719confirmed to cut through the bureaucratic red tape, to help1720them support and enhance their communities. We have a real1721chance to make a difference in Indian Country. I am confident1722in your leadership.1723    Thank you.1724    Mr. Kirkland. Thank you very much, Senator.1725    Senator Murkowski. Thank you, Senator Daines.17261727               STATEMENT OF HON. BEN RAY LUJAN,1728                  U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW MEXICO17291730    Senator Lujan. Thank you, Madam Chair.1731    Mr. Kirkland, from 2009 to 2013 you worked for Ralph Reed's1732Faith and Freedom Coalition. Is that correct?1733    Mr. Kirkland. Yes, sir.1734    Senator Lujan. Was Ralph Reed a champion of tribes?1735    Mr. Kirkland. I worked for Ralph Reed. We worked --1736    Senator Lujan. That was not my question. My question is, is1737Ralph Reed a champion of tribes?1738    Mr. Kirkland. Sir, I worked for the Faith and Freedom1739Coalition.1740    Senator Lujan. Do you have an opinion about Ralph Reed?1741    Mr. Kirkland. I have an opinion that I worked--1742    Senator Lujan. Let me ask you a different question. Ralph1743Reed was a business partner of Jack Abramoff. Both were accused1744of defrauding and disadvantaging tribal gaming enterprises for1745financial gain in the early 2000s, something this Committee1746conducted extensive oversight on and produced a 350-page1747report.1748    Why did you choose to go work for him after that?1749    Mr. Kirkland. Thank you for your question, Senator. When I1750worked for the Faith and Freedom Coalition, we focused on1751working with and educating voters on matters of faith that were1752important to the faith-based community. I never met Jack1753Abramoff or conducted any business with him.1754    Senator Lujan. My question, Mr. Kirkland, is why did you1755choose to go back to work for Ralph after that?1756    Mr. Kirkland. Senator, I never chose to go back to work for1757Jack. I accepted --1758    Senator Lujan. You accepted the job.1759    Mr. Kirkland. Senator, I have never met Jack Abramoff.1760    Senator Lujan. Not Jack. Mr. Reed, that is the group you1761said you worked for.1762    Mr. Kirkland. I worked for the Faith and Freedom Coalition.1763    Senator Lujan. Why did you choose to go work for him?1764    Mr. Kirkland. Why did I choose to work for Ralph Reed? I1765worked for the Faith and Freedom Coalition, of which he1766happened to be the chairperson at the time.1767    Senator Lujan. You didn't work for Ralph?1768    Mr. Kirkland. I worked for the Faith and Freedom Coalition,1769sir.1770    Senator Lujan. Do you have an opinion about Jack Abramoff?1771    Mr. Kirkland. I never met Jack Abramoff.1772    Senator Lujan. Do you have an opinion of him?1773    Mr. Kirkland. I don't know Jack Abramoff.1774    Senator Lujan. Do you think it was okay that he defrauded1775tribes?1776    Mr. Kirkland. I don't think it is okay to defraud anyone. I1777have never met Jack Abramoff.1778    Senator Lujan. I appreciate that. We are on the same page1779there.1780    Mr. Kirkland, you said in your testimony that when you1781worked at the White House, you worked to ensure that Indian1782Country was fully included in the CARES Act, a piece of1783legislation I was proud to work on. The CARES Act, of course,1784was a bipartisan piece of legislation to respond to Covid-19,1785to the pandemic, which began in late 2019 and early 2020.1786    I see from your Committee questionnaire that you worked at1787the White House from January 2017 to August 2019, is that1788correct?1789    Mr. Kirkland. Yes.1790    Senator Lujan. When was the CARES Act passed?1791    Mr. Kirkland. Sir, when I left the White House, I worked on1792the campaign and remained in close contact with the Office of1793Inter-Governmental Affairs on tribal --1794    Senator Lujan. Mr. Kirkland, my question is, do you know1795when the CARES Act was passed?1796    Mr. Kirkland. It was after I left the White House.1797    Senator Lujan. It was March of 2020, after you left the1798White House. Why do you take credit for working on that after1799you left?1800    Mr. Kirkland. Because I worked with the White House to do1801that.1802    Senator Lujan. Who did you work with here in Congress?1803    Mr. Kirkland. I worked within the White House, I worked1804with Doug Hoelscher, I worked with --1805    Senator Lujan. Did you work with anyone here in Congress to1806get that passed?1807    Mr. Kirkland. No, sir.1808    Senator Lujan. No? My colleague who had this seat before1809me, Tom Udall, who was the Vice Chair of this Committee, worked1810to ensure it got passed. Are you aware that during your time in1811the White House that it was the House of Representatives that1812passed the CARES Act? The Senate had not yet passed it.1813    Mr. Kirkland. I am very aware, sir, that the two bodies in1814Congress pass bills, yes.1815    Senator Lujan. No. Are you aware that the House passed it1816before you left the White House and the Senate passed it after1817you left the White House?1818    Mr. Kirkland. That is excellent. Thank you for telling me1819that.1820    Senator Lujan. Did you work on the House legislation or the1821Senate legislation in your advocacy when you were in the White1822House?1823    Mr. Kirkland. Sir, I said I worked with the White House.1824    Senator Lujan. Yes, did you work with the White House on1825the House legislation or the Senate legislation?1826    Mr. Kirkland. I worked with the White House on formulating1827and ensuring that all of Indian Country was included in the1828CARES Act.1829    Senator Lujan. What did the White House have to do with1830passing the CARES Act in Congress?1831    Mr. Kirkland. Sir, we met with and talked with and1832consulted with tribes across the Country, not just federally-1833recognized tribes, it was also Alaska ANCs. That was meaningful1834consultation. It was lots of time and effort to ensure that1835they were all included in the Act.1836    Senator Lujan. I appreciate that, Mr. Kirkland. Is1837providing funding to American Indians, Alaska Natives and1838Native Hawaiians a part of America's trust responsibility to1839tribes?1840    Mr. Kirkland. I think ensuring that the money that Congress1841appropriates to the Office of Indian Affairs is very important.1842I think it is very important to the Office to prioritize how1843best to allocate those funds that Congress allocates to the1844Office of Indian Affairs--1845    Senator Lujan. I appreciate that.1846    Mr. Kirkland [continuing]. to ensure that we are--1847    Senator Lujan. Mr. Kirkland, my time has about run out. I1848am sorry to be rude.1849    Mr. Kirkland, yesterday you are aware that Congress passed1850a rescissions package. So in your position, Mr. Russell Blowe1851has already said he sent you another one and Congress says it1852doesn't matter what they say about this. The Executive Branch1853is going to do it.1854    Are you going to stand up and speak up to this1855administration if they choose to rescind appropriations passed1856by this Congress for tribal communities across America? The1857answer is yes or no.1858    Mr. Kirkland. Sir, once I am confirmed, which I hope to1859be--1860    Senator Lujan. Okay, the answer is not yes. Do you think1861the administration cutting billions from national programs that1862support Indian Country and Native American communities lives up1863to America's trust responsibility?1864    Mr. Kirkland. Sir, I look forward, once confirmed, to1865working with you, your staff, this Committee and most1866importantly tribal leaders to prioritize the money that1867Congress appropriates to the Office of Indian Affairs to make1868sure it is best and most wisely invested.1869    Senator Lujan. I appreciate that, Mr. Kirkland. Right now1870you stand alone in this administration, because yesterday all1871my Republican colleagues, most of them, voted to get this done.1872And Russell Blowe has said he is sending another package before1873the sun even came up this morning. So you are alone in this.1874    I hope that you are a man of your word and you speak up and1875stand up to this. Because we need some strong voices. And I1876hope that we have one in you, sir.1877    You also talked about water, which I appreciate very much.1878It matters to us. Mr. Kirkland, do you know how many Navajo1879brothers and sisters are waiting to have water delivered from1880the Navajo Gallup water project?1881    Mr. Kirkland. I can't give you that. I look forward to you1882giving it to me.1883    Senator Lujan. I will give it to you. It is 250,000, sir.1884Mr. Kirkland, do you know how many recognized Indian water1885rights settlements are in New Mexico?1886    Mr. Kirkland. I am sure you have that number for me. I look1887forward to hearing it.1888    Senator Lujan. I will share that with you. Mr. Kirkland, do1889you know how much funding is needed for the Fiscal Year 20261890budget to keep the Navajo Gallup water project on track?1891    Mr. Kirkland. I will look forward to hearing.1892    Senator Lujan. One hundred seventy-five million. Do you1893know that if this fails it will be the first Indian water1894rights settlement to fail in America's history?1895    Mr. Kirkland. No, sir, I was not aware of that.1896    Senator Lujan. It would be. Mr. Kirkland, do you know how1897much the President's budget, President Donald Trump, allocated1898for the Navajo Gallup water project?1899    Mr. Kirkland. Not off hand, no, sir.1900    Senator Lujan. Zero dollars. Is that okay?1901    Mr. Kirkland. I am sorry?1902    Senator Lujan. Is that okay that the budget had zero1903dollars for the Navajo Nation water pipeline settlement?1904    Mr. Kirkland. Sir, I hope that we can put trillions of1905dollars into the, not just the Navajo's budget, but the Office1906of Indian Affairs. The facts are that--1907    Senator Lujan. I agree with you.1908    Mr. Kirkland [continuing]. our Nation is facing a crippling1909national debt.1910    Senator Lujan. I know how to read that, so yes--1911    Mr. Kirkland. As I stated before, I look forward to working1912with you--1913    Senator Lujan. Mr. Kirkland, my Republican colleagues just1914added $4 trillion to the debt. My question is, you in your1915testimony proudly spoke of your upbringing on the Navajo1916Nation, your ties to the Nation, hauling water. Speaker Curley1917is right behind you. Other leaders are as well.1918    One of the things I am proud to represent is the leadership1919from the Navajo Nation, brothers and sisters there as well. For1920too long, America has ignored its trust responsibilities. This1921would be the first water settlement to fail.1922    My question is a simple one. Is it okay or not that the1923President of the United States, who gave his commitment to the1924President of the Navajo Nation and other leaders that he would1925support the settlement, put zero dollars in the budget?1926    This is an important question, Madam Chair.1927    Mr. Kirkland. I appreciate the question, and I appreciate1928the enthusiasm.1929    Senator Lujan. Madam Chair, I will yield back. If the1930answer is not yes, I am worried about this. My colleague talked1931about leadership qualities. Being honest and keeping your word1932matters. And I just certainly hope, Madam Chair, that as we are1933going through all of this that we can find an honest way to1934tell people, if the answer to the Navajo Nation is they are not1935getting any money, then tell them so that they can plan, they1936can budget, we can figure things out to help these people1937instead of an empty promise.1938    Madam Chair, maybe I am just tired.1939    Senator Murkowski. I think we are all tired.1940    Senator Lujan. It is just--this is just frustrating. This1941is just so frustrating.1942    Senator Murkowski. Thank you, Senator Lujan.1943    I am going to reclaim my time here, ask two quick questions1944and then turn to Senator Cortez Masto and go run and vote.1945Because I do have more that I want to follow on with.1946    I mentioned the probate backlog, and how important that is,1947not only to us in Alaska. We have some cases in Alaska that1948date back to the 1990s and early 2000s. I know there are cases1949in the lower 48 that have been open far longer than that. We1950are basically looking at about a 48,000 unresolved probate1951backlog. Unacceptable by any measures. And I know the Secretary1952agrees with that.1953    But I just need your commitment to working with me, working1954with this Committee, working within the department to resolve1955this probate backlog. And I mentioned in my comments that I am1956worried about workforce, because you can't process these things1957unless you have people that are dedicated to it.1958    So I just ask for your public commitment today to work with1959us to address this. This is an injustice that is just--it has1960been carried forward for just far too long.1961    Mr. Kirkland. Thank you for your question and comment,1962Senator.1963    As far as the probate, once again, I am not in the building1964yet. I look forward to getting there and learning more about1965this. But as far as the probate is concerned, it is a priority1966of the Secretary's. He has spoken with the President about it.1967    I know that the Secretary has recently visited Alaska, and1968you were able to speak with him about it too. He has an1969initiative within the department to tackle that. Typically, as1970you are well aware, if the Secretary makes a priority of1971something and the President is chiming in too, that is1972something that the entire staff and body within the agency is1973going to focus on. This is one of the things that are on the1974top of the list.1975    I can't imagine the heartache that some of these1976constituents of yours are going through, having to wait five,1977ten plus years in many cases to receive what is theirs1978rightfully. So whether that is through advancements in1979technology, electric record-keeping or just, we have to learn1980how to build a better mousetrap. I look forward to working with1981you on that.1982    Senator Murkowski. Well, we have to build a better1983mousetrap, but we have to be processing these while we are1984still building that.1985    Mr. Kirkland. Correct, yes.1986    Senator Murkowski. And that is hard to do. But we talk1987about issues of homelessness and what happens when individuals1988are forced to move out of the family home because Grandma dies.1989And they have nowhere to go, and there is a perfectly good1990home, the family home that they all grew up in, that is boarded1991up and left to just deteriorate.1992    It is a travesty and it is something that I think we have1993just said, we will get around to it sooner than later. And in1994the meantime, good people are being hurt.1995    So it is something that I am going to prioritize, and I1996appreciate that the Secretary has, and I need you to do as1997well.1998    I am going to turn it over to Senator Cortez Masto and1999scoot. I will be right back.20002001           STATEMENT OF HON. CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO,2002                    U.S. SENATOR FROM NEVADA20032004    Senator Cortez Masto. [Presiding.] Thank you, Madam Chair.2005    Mr. Kirkland, thank you for visiting with me. I appreciate2006that. And welcome to your family members, everybody here in2007support. And congratulations on your nomination.2008    I am not going to say that I am not going to hold you2009accountable on a number of issues that are impacting my tribes2010in Nevada. I do want to talk about one that is very serious,2011and it is not just impacting tribes in Nevada. It is really2012across the Country.2013    Public safety in Indian Country is already severely2014underfunded. The Department of Interior's 2024 Tribal Law and2015Order Act Report to Congress stated that the estimated unmet2016funding need for public safety and justice is over $3 billion,2017which includes unmet staffing of over 11,000 law enforcement2018officers. Yet the President's 2026 budget request calls for2019cutting $107 million from BIA's public safety and justice2020account.2021    Now, I know you are not there yet. But you will get into a2022position where you are going to have to cut, based on the2023President's budget. Can you talk to me about how you are2024thinking about or what you would plan to do to make those cuts2025that won't impact law enforcement's ability to combat crimes2026like drug trafficking and the violence against women that we2027see across tribal nations?2028    Mr. Kirkland. Thank you for your question, Senator.2029    I think, first of all, it is unfortunate, but tribal2030nations have always been asked to do more with less. That is2031very unfortunate.2032    I look forward to, once, as you said, once sworn into the2033position, to getting in the building and taking a deep dive,2034taking a comprehensive look at where there are opportunities to2035streamline, where there are opportunities to have more cross-2036agency collaboration, working across different jurisdictions,2037how we can better enact training, recruitment, and also keeping2038those individuals within our systems.2039    I can't imagine how expensive it is to retrain officers, or2040law enforcement officers specifically, once they are in place2041and go someplace else. Most importantly, I am going to look for2042ideas from you and your staff. As Vice Chairman Schatz2043mentioned very elegantly, he is looking for someone that if2044they don't have answers, they are willing to look around.2045    I am going to rely on your staff and yourself and your2046tribal leaders within your State for ideas. I want to work with2047those tribes and find out what they think might work best.2048Ultimately, it is most important to exercise their self-2049determination and sovereignty, and I think we can do more at2050the Department of Interior.2051    Senator Cortez Masto. Yes, I appreciate that.2052    Let me just say, there is already a challenge with the2053ability to recruit and retain qualified law enforcement2054officers to serve tribal communities. And with less money now,2055$100 million to help keep these tribes safe, you are going to2056have a challenge.2057    So I really hope that as you are addressing this issue and2058make it a priority, you do come to Congress to talk to us about2059the challenges that you are seeing and be honest about it.2060Because I am already hearing it from my tribes in Nevada, and I2061know I also hear from the BIA officers themselves. It is a2062problem.2063    Let me also talk a little bit about a couple of issues that2064are unique to some of my tribes in Nevada. Several tribes have2065had the rug pulled out from under them by BIA regarding funding2066for criminal detention services. In July of 2024, a number of2067tribes received letters from BIA OJS stating that following an2068audit of their 638 contracts, BIA would no longer provide2069detention services funding those tribes.2070    Now, I have been working with BIA to rectify this critical2071public safety issue. But unfortunately, there has been minimal2072communication from DOI to the tribes on this issue and how to2073address it.2074    So I am hoping that, one, if you are confirmed and put in2075this position, that you are committed to helping us address2076this issue and work to ensuring that there is an active line of2077communication with DOI and the tribes on this very issue.2078    Would you commit to that?2079    Mr. Kirkland. Yes, Senator.2080    Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you.2081    Another issue that is unique to Nevada, the Shoshone Paiute2082Tribe of Death Valley Reservation is on the border of Nevada2083and Idaho. They have had a school there, and for generations2084have taught some of our tribal children there. It is on Federal2085land and it is operated by the BIA.2086    Over the years, it was discovered that the BIA improperly2087disposed of fuels and pesticides, including two herbicides that2088make up Agent Orange, on that reservation right by the school,2089where the school is. Hundreds of children have been exposed to2090these chemicals and over 100 tribal members have died due to2091cancer, which is an extraordinary number for a tribe with2092around only 3,000 members.2093    Time and time again, the BIA has failed to meet its2094assessment deadlines and ultimately failed to meet the promise2095to remediate this program. As you can only imagine, continued2096delays have dire consequences to the health and safety of the2097tribal members and their children.2098    Will you commit to quickly addressing the remediation of2099this issue if you are confirmed?2100    Mr. Kirkland. Senator, one, thank you for the question. I2101look forward to, if confirmed, quickly being brought up to2102speed on the Duck Valley Reservation issue. I look forward to2103working with your staff and figuring out what we can do there.2104    Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you.2105    And then one quick question, one final question. I2106appreciate the work that you did under the first Trump2107administration with respect to the Not Invisible Act. Thank you2108for that.2109    Here is my concern. Chair Murkowski and I both wrote a2110letter concerned that the report on recommendations to address2111murdered and missing indigenous women and children, that2112report, which is supposed to be made to the public, was2113originally put on the DOJ website. When President Trump took2114office this time, he took it down.2115    I am trying to understand why, and how do we get that2116report back up for transparency and for the public to be aware2117of. Would you work with us in trying to do just that and2118publicly post it?2119    Mr. Kirkland. Senator, I appreciate that question. I agree2120with you it is a very important issue.2121    Obviously, we don't control the Department of Justice's2122website. But transparency is of the upmost importance in order2123to gain the respect or trust of anyone. Transparency is where2124it starts. I mean, I don't know how much more transparent I2125could be, all I know is how much money is in my checking2126account right now, probably more so than my wife does.2127    Senator Cortez Masto. Well, she does now.2128    [Laughter.]2129    Mr. Kirkland. So I am very happy to work with you and your2130staff on transparency issues.2131    Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you.21322133              STATEMENT OF HON. MARKWAYNE MULLIN,2134                   U.S. SENATOR FROM OKLAHOMA21352136    Senator Mullin. [Presiding.] I guess since this was handed2137over, it is obviously my choice.2138    Senator Cortez Masto. Yes.2139    Senator Mullin. Thank you, and Mr. Kirkland, thank you for2140being here.2141    Can you kind of explain a little bit about your feelings2142towards Indian Country?2143    Mr. Kirkland. Thank you for the question, Senator. Look, my2144feelings for Indian Country, they are sort of tough to explain,2145and maybe you have experienced this as well. I think oftentimes2146people expect or want to tell you how to feel towards Indian2147Country, right? They may feel like you don't or haven't lived2148through the same experiences they have.2149    So it is oftentimes difficult to put into words. I can tell2150you that when in Indian Country, whether that is in Oklahoma,2151or Montana, or within the Four Sacred Mountains of the Navajo2152Reservation, there is a comfort there. There is a peace, more2153relaxed. And it is a feeling that you want to share. There is a2154pride there.2155    And I hope to be able to honor those who have come before2156me, in expressing and giving this pride to others. I think that2157President Trump and Secretary Burgum love and appreciate and2158respect Indian Country. I think they care. I have sat in2159meetings with the President where they weren't public, it2160wasn't for a TV reporter. And the authenticity that he has been2161able to show, you oftentimes can't put it to words.2162    Senator Mullin. Right.2163    Mr. Kirkland. And that is oftentimes how I feel about2164Indian Country. And I hope to be able to honor the trust2165relationship that the Federal Government is responsible for and2166to advance self-determination and tribal sovereignty.2167    Senator Mullin. And what tribe do you come from?2168    Mr. Kirkland. Navajo Nation.2169    Senator Mullin. Navajo. See, I am Cherokee, and I never2170knew I was special for being Cherokee until I came to D.C.2171Because where I am from, everybody is Indian or wants to be.2172    And then when I came up here, Tom Cole was the first one2173that came up to me and said, congratulations, we just doubled2174the size of our Native American caucus. That was back in 2013.2175I was like, what do you mean? He was like, well, I am Chickasaw2176and you are Cherokee. I said, yeah, we taught you how to read2177and write. No, I'm kidding.2178    And we joked about it because sometimes there is a2179misunderstanding. But what they don't understand about Indian2180Country, and tell me if I am wrong, is we don't look at the2181world through an RD lens. We look at it from our heritage2182perspective. Would you agree with that?2183    Mr. Kirkland. Yes, Senator.2184    Senator Mullin. And sometimes people that aren't from2185Indian Country and they are not Native, they don't understand2186it. They don't get it. Because politics is their world. And2187they want to make a big difference about it; they want to make2188a big thing about it.2189    But end of day, tribal issues, it is a Federal2190responsibility we have. So you can separate the politics out of2191it, because we have an obligation. In your role, I have to ask,2192are you going to fulfill that obligation?2193    Mr. Kirkland. Yes, Senator. There is no RD by any tribe's2194name. Look, this is, politics are pushed aside on managing or2195keeping a trust responsibility or a treaty obligation.2196    Senator Mullin. That is right.2197    Mr. Kirkland. This is personal for you and I. These are our2198people. These are our tribal, like the Hopi are going to be2199different from the Navajo, or the Chickasaw or the Cherokee.2200There is a trust relationship that has to be honored between us2201and the Federal Government.2202    Senator Mullin. And it is drastically different. All our2203tribes in Oklahoma are going to be all different from the2204tribes in the Midwest.2205    I think one of the coolest things that you have the ability2206to do is you get to learn all those different needs. And when2207you go in there with a background like yourself, and with2208Native people at the front of your mind in any decision you2209make, you have an opportunity to actually get to know them and2210get to know what their unique challenges are.2211    I just hope in this Committee that we try to leave the2212politics out of it and just put Indian Country first. That is2213what our responsibility is here. That is why I think this2214Committee is unique. Because if there is ever a committee that2215works in a real bipartisan manner, it is this Committee.2216    And we have to be careful that we don't separate that.2217Because as I repeat myself again, we have a Federal obligation.2218And regardless if you are Native or you are not, if we are in2219this position of authority, if we are in this position to2220actually affect that, we just need to understand that, and just2221all be in the same boat working together.2222    So thank you for standing up. Thank you for your family,2223too, to going through this with you. Because it is a challenge.2224Your ability to continue to stay in the fight for Indian2225Country is commendable. So, God bless you.2226    Mr. Kirkland. Thank you, Senator.2227    Senator Mullin. Are we finished? Oh, you want me to2228recognize you?22292230               STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL,2231                  U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON22322233    Senator Cantwell. Yes, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2234    I so appreciate this hearing for the consideration of your2235nomination, Mr. Kirkland. Congratulations on that and to your2236family.2237    Protecting Native communities is one of our most important2238trust responsibilities and one of the biggest threats to Indian2239Country right now is fentanyl. We have a couple of billboards2240here about the problem. Twelve indicted recently in a big drug2241enforcement operation on the Yakima Nation. It had so much2242fentanyl you could have literally killed everybody as a member2243of the Yakima Tribe. We had a similar incident up in Bellingham2244a few years ago.2245    Just this week, the DEA, in partnership with the Yakima2246Nation, announced charges against 12 individuals for2247trafficking fentanyl on the Yakima Reservation. And in2248February, the nation was selected to put this into an Operation2249Overdrive investigation.2250    So over that 120-day operation, DEA worked closely with the2251BIA, the Yakima Nation, the Wapato Police Department, to see22527,000 pounds of marijuana, 300 pounds of meth, 25 pounds of2253cocaine, 7 pounds of fentanyl, and over 4,700 fentanyl-laced2254pills. According to the special agent in charge, as I said, it2255would have yielded enough lethal doses to kill everyone in the2256whole county.2257    So this operation also was important to stopping the flow,2258and in Yakima County, in the community, it has experienced 192259overdose deaths since February, 12 in March and 12 deaths by2260the end of June.2261    So we are doing everything we can to work together in a2262collaborative fashion. And I hope that you will work with us2263and my colleague who just left, Senator Markwayne Mullin, on2264the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act. This is really2265important legislation that helps tribes recruit and retain law2266enforcement, allowing them to offer Federal benefits that are2267currently available only to State, local and Federal law2268enforcement.2269    So will you commit to work with Senator Mullin and myself2270on this legislation and try to get it implemented?2271    Mr. Kirkland. I look forward to becoming better educated on2272all legislation that you and your colleagues are prioritizing,2273and specifically on this legislation you speak about. Look2274forward to learning more about it and working with you and your2275staff.2276    Senator Cantwell. Okay. If you would take a look at it and2277give us a little more specificity before your vote, that would2278be great.2279    Currently, tribal public safety is funded at just 132280percent of the total need. And the President's budget proposes2281an additional 15 percent cut to BIA public safety. So that is2282why we want to understand where you will be on these programs2283and whether you will commit to doing that.2284    How will you fight back against the Administration and OMB2285efforts to shortchange Indian Country? What do you think right2286now you can do to help an administration that may not be as2287familiar with the impacts of these budget cuts?2288    Mr. Kirkland. I think the first thing, well, first, again,2289let me start by saying thank you, Senator, for the question,2290for your work on the Committee and the time that we were able2291to share. I know you specifically made an effort to visit with2292me. I appreciate that and appreciate the time spent with your2293staff as well.2294    I think when it comes to prioritizing the budget in the2295Office of Indian Affairs and how that is allocated throughout2296Indian Country, look, there is a trust relationship that is2297sacred there. There are treaty obligations that we have to2298maintain and uphold. I think that opening up lines of2299communication to effectively communicate that is first and2300foremost of the most importance.2301    And collaborating with the tribal leaders to prioritize2302what needs they see are the most important, specifically when2303it comes to law enforcement and protecting our tribal2304communities. I think whatever dollars are allocated toward the2305Office of Indian Affairs by Congress, we are going to work to2306make sure we get the best investment, whether that is allocated2307towards resources or law and order.2308    I can commit to looking forward to working with you and2309your staff to ensure that is done.2310    Senator Cantwell. Thank you.2311    On hatchery issues, in the Inflation Reduction Act, we2312funded $240 million in hatchery funding for tribes. While you2313might think of this as geographic, I can guarantee you my2314colleague from Alaska wants more fish production, period.2315    So I think 27 tribes were deemed eligible to receive $22316million in funding. Many of the eligible tribes have not2317received the funding yet. So what will you do to help us get2318hatchery dollars out the door?2319    Mr. Kirkland. Thank you for the question.2320    Senator Cantwell. This is in BIA particularly.2321    Mr. Kirkland. I think in terms of BIA in general, I think2322that there are a lot of passionate individuals that work there2323and career service people that serve Indian Country and love2324their jobs. I think that ultimately, though, there are also a2325number of protocols and processes that need to be looked at2326closely.2327    We need to find where the bottlenecks are and figure out2328how to make them more efficient. When there are vital services2329that need to be acted on, when there are funds that have been2330approved that need to be pushed out, we need to work together2331and make sure those are done in a timely manner.2332    I think there is no question that there is room for2333improvement.2334    Senator Cantwell. Great. Well, we definitely want to see2335those hatchery dollars. And then I am pretty sure you believe2336in commitment to a trust and treaty responsibility for those2337tribes that have, and in general, government-to-government2338responsibilities.2339    Mr. Kirkland. Yes, ma'am.2340    Senator Cantwell. Thank you. All right, thank you, Madam2341Chair.2342    Senator Murkowski. [Presiding.] Thank you, Senator2343Cantwell.2344    Mr. Kirkland, we focus a lot on public safety in Indian2345Country. In Alaska we have what was described as a rural public2346safety crisis. This was Attorney General Barr's own words after2347he came to Alaska to visit.2348    In the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior appropriations bill, I was2349able to direct BIA to conduct tribal consultation on the2350budgetary needs of tribal law enforcement. This includes2351everything from wellness courts, other essential justice needs.2352But we asked them to report back on the available funding,2353whether it is at DOI or elsewhere for tribes in the PL-2802354States.2355    The BIA did this consultation, so they have done that part2356of it. But we still have yet to see the report. So I know you2357are not in a position to get that for me, but I would ask that2358if you are confirmed, that you can ensure that we get the2359report on this consultation.2360    Because I think it is going to be instructive in terms of,2361you mentioned navigating some bottlenecks here with Senator2362Cantwell. We are going to need to navigate some bottlenecks,2363including those that may be internal to BIA to support public2364safety and justice in Alaska. And this report is going to be2365very important.2366    So I just need your commitment, your awareness, you know it2367is out there. We have to get it out.2368    Mr. Kirkland. Yes, Senator. Quite frankly, I don't know why2369they would have the consultation if they weren't willing to2370provide the outcomes of that, right? The whole goal of a2371meaningful consultation is to come to an outcome that works2372best for both tribes and the trustee.2373    I think we definitely can work together to try to figure2374out where those reports are and be transparent and get those to2375you as quickly as possible.2376    Senator Murkowski. Okay. We will look for that2377expeditiously, then.2378    We talked a little bit about interagency communication when2379you were in my office. The Department of Interior has been the2380main department that works directly with tribes and the Native2381communities to implement Federal Government trust and treaty2382obligations. But as we know, it expands far beyond the2383Department of Interior. It is absolutely over in HHS.2384    Secretary Kennedy is well aware of that in the role that he2385has at IHS. But it is across, it is literally across all2386departments.2387    So it was Senator Daines that kind of acknowledged the org2388chart within BIA. It is extensive; it is extensive. I was going2389to use a word like crazy. It is complex. So being able to work2390collaboratively with the Federal agencies and the different2391departments, you are going to be overseeing BIA.2392    But in order to be effective for American Indians, Alaska2393Natives, Native Hawaiians, you are going to have to figure out2394how you work with the folks in HUD to deal with so many of the2395tribal housing issues that we have. You are going to have to be2396able to deal with the folks over at HHS in addressing the fact2397that when it comes to health care disparities, our statistics2398are awful, they are awful among our Native populations in terms2399of life expectancy, diseases, things like suicide and substance2400abuse.2401    So I would like to hear just briefly here how you feel, or2402whether you feel that it is important to do this kind of2403collaboration, or do you just work within your own rather2404extensive org chart?2405    Mr. Kirkland. I think in order to fully advocate for tribal2406nations, for our Alaska Natives, ANCs, or even our Native2407Hawaiian brothers and sisters, you can't simply silo the2408responsibilities of the office to the Department of Interior. I2409think that in advocating for all of Indian Country, that2410includes working with HUD, that includes working with HHS.2411    I can say that we ruined the Valentine's Day for the White2412House's Office of Inter-Governmental Affairs, because they were2413connected with HHS on a number of issues that were coming to2414deadlines of importance. Calling the Deputy Secretary over at2415HUD, I look forward to doing that, to talk about tribal housing2416issues or any concerns that an ANC may have or not have.2417    So cross-collaboration is something that is a part, it is2418not doing anything extra, going above and beyond. It is part of2419the duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary.2420    Senator Murkowski. Well, and your, I guess, background for2421this position, Senator Schatz spoke to it a little bit. I think2422one of the things that you actually do bring to the table is2423having worked within the previous Trump administration.2424    Basically what we need is somebody at BIA who can pick up2425the phone and call a Secretary and say, we have a problem here.2426And you know what? This problem has been shoved under the rug2427for too many years by too many administrations. Maybe even from2428the prior Trump administration. And being able to get the2429attention on these matters that have been left to founder for2430too long.2431    I have been on this Committee since I came to the United2432States Senate. I think I am probably the longest--maybe I am2433not the longest-tenured member. Maybe Senator Inouye was. I2434don't know.2435    But I have been here for a long time. And it troubles me2436deeply that we go year after year, we go Congress after2437Congress, we go administration after administration and we2438wring our hands and we say, we haven't made any headway.2439    We have been working on water settlements that take 1002440years, practically. We are looking at health disparity2441statistics that are as bad now as when we started. We are2442dealing with issues of poverty and for gosh sakes, basic water2443needs.2444    We look at our educational outcomes. And I don't think it2445is because we have people who don't care here in Congress. I2446think we care deeply. But there is a frustration with how that2447level of caring translates into budgets, because I chair the2448Interior Appropriations Committee, but on the authorizing2449committee, and then translates into commitment on the ground.2450    So we need people who are going to carry the burdens of2451Native people and the challenges that they have faced2452oftentimes for generations, and champion them and get people to2453pay attention in the administration.2454    Because I think you are going to find that the people2455behind this dais care deeply about it. You heard the passion in2456Senator Lujan's voice. He is not angry at you. I think we are2457frustrated because we know the need. And we care about solving2458problems.2459    And we need to know your commitment to solving these2460problems with us. And we are counting on you, whether it is2461being able to speak directly to the President and capture his2462heart on this, or wherever it is in that political landscape2463that is out there.2464    That is more of a comment than a question. But I think that2465this is an important part of what you are going to be tasked to2466do. So when I ask the question about interagency communication,2467it is broader than that. It is not just being able to pick up2468the phone and know who to call. It is to be able to put that2469urgency to, work with me, let's find a solution that will work.2470    I want to get a couple more asks from you, then I will turn2471to Senator Lujan. But we still have two more votes, believe it2472or not, we are bouncing up and down. Next time I will take the2473kids, and we will get a little exercise.2474    [Laughter.]2475    Senator Murkowski. The Tribal Climate Resilience awards, I2476worked pretty hard on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. We had2477good investments for Indian Country in that. One of the things2478that we were able to include was $216 million for BIA's Tribal2479Climate Resilience program.2480    I described to you the situation in many of our communities2481whether it is threats from erosion or thawing permafrost, what2482it means to communities like Newtok, Quinhagak, Napakiak, they2483are living with these threats every day.2484    We have heard a lot about the pauses in these awards. We2485have reached out to BIA and to the Secretary. We have made some2486progress. But we are still continuing to hear about funding2487pauses.2488    So I just need to know that if confirmed, you are going o2489be able to work with me, my staff and the staff of all of us2490here, as well as those on the Interior Appropriations2491Subcommittee, to release these funds. Again, these have been2492authorized. We have appropriated to them. You have clear need2493out in the communities. And we would like to see them2494addressed. So just putting that also on your radar.2495    Last question for you. Yesterday was a pretty tough day. It2496was hard, this rescissions package cut millions of dollars in2497different areas, some in global health. But also, a billion2498dollars in public broadcasting. As you know, there are real2499funds that help tribal and rural public radio stations.2500    I spoke to an amendment yesterday that was pretty2501important. We had just gotten an alert in the afternoon of a25027.3 earthquake that struck off the coast of Alaska around Sand2503Point, tsunami alert. And it was public radio that basically2504told people, get to higher ground, get out of the way of the2505potential tsunami, and then gave them the all clear coming2506back.2507    Our subsistence fishermen that are on the rivers right now,2508out in the ocean in Alaska, they are all relying on good things2509coming from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. And when I2510talk to Alaskans and they are listening to the weather report2511that is going to let them know whether they can safely go out2512on the fishing grounds, or when they are waiting for the 8:152513a.m. call to find out where the ice jam is on the Yukon and how2514far from my village it is going to be, and do I need to get my2515snow machine out of the way so that my means of transportation2516doesn't get flooded, they don't think that this is some radical2517leftist propagandist plot. They say wow, this is like, help me2518live through my day.2519    So I continue to be a strong supporter of what we have with2520our public broadcasting and how they broadcast. KYUK has a2521program in English and Yup'ik. So it is a great blend to help2522continue the language that is so important out there.2523    A lot of examples you are going to hear from people on this2524dais here. But what we know is that there is a promise from the2525administration to reallocate funding from the Department of2526Interior, from the BIA account, to provide one-time support for2527tribal public media stations.2528    The concern that I have is that is one-time support. We2529understand that it is a competitive grant funding program. So2530my stations in Alaska, about less than half of them are tribal2531stations. Others are not. So they won't have any access to2532these grants.2533    So the little station that advertised the tsunami down in2534Unalaska won't have any help or support from this. But others2535may.2536    But the concern that I have is that we are going to have a2537situation where you are tasked to find money within the BIA2538budget to do this temporary funding for these tribal stations2539for one year. But you are going to have to take it out of funds2540that have already been either obligated or certainly tribal2541entities are relying on this. So we can't have a situation2542where it is robbing Peter to pay Paul.2543    I don't ask you to have a solution, to have an answer for2544me now. Obviously this is all very new. It may or may not be2545resolved by the time you get through the confirmation process.2546    But know that from the perspective of where Indian Country2547comes down in terms of support for public broadcasting, it is2548everyone from NCAI, it is AFN, I have all kinds of letters that2549we will submit for the record so that you do have them.2550    But know that these are important for a host of different2551reasons, and I for one in my capacity here and the authorizing2552committee and on the appropriating, I am not going to just2553settle back and say that so many in our rural areas and in our2554tribal communities will not have access to whether it is life-2555saving notifications or the opportunity to learn in your Native2556heritage language.2557    If you have any comments on that, I am happy to take them.2558    Mr. Kirkland. I appreciate your concern and your question.2559I fully especially appreciate, I have learned the longer the2560question or the statement, the less time I have to reply. So I2561appreciate that as well.2562    [Laughter.]2563    Mr. Kirkland. I look forward to working with you on this2564issue and finding out where things are, learning more about it.2565I hope to do it sooner rather than later, because that means I2566have been confirmed.2567    I appreciate your time; I appreciate the questions from the2568Committee members who had to run to vote. I know that those are2569continuing to rack up. I look forward to, if I am lucky enough2570to be confirmed, working with all Committee members. I look2571forward to working with the Senator from New Mexico as well,2572and his staff.2573    So I appreciate your time, Senator.2574    Senator Murkowski. Well, we thank you for coming before the2575Committee, for fielding all of our questions. I know that other2576members may have questions. We will hold the record open for 242577hours to receive those.2578    To you and your family, thank you, and you guys have done a2579super, super great job. Happy birthday to your dad.2580    Thank you, and with that, the Committee stands adjourned.2581    [Whereupon, at 4:19 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]25822583                            A P P E N D I X25842585Prepared Statement of Hon. Ryan Jackson, Acting Chairman, Hoopa Valley2586                                 Tribe2587Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:25882589    Thank you for Senator Murkowski's February 5, 2025, letter to2590Acting OMB Director Matthew Vaeth that urged him to protect the2591integrity of the federal trust relationship with Indian tribes and2592enforce the ``statutory authorities, treaty, and/or trust obligations''2593of the United States to Indian tribes.2594    As the Committee on Indian Affairs considers William Kirkland's2595nomination to be the Department of the Interior's Assistant Secretary2596for Indian Affairs, we request that you seek assurances from Mr.2597Kirkland that he will be a voice in the Administration for fair and2598full consideration of issues affecting tribal rights and sovereignty.2599    We make this request with the understanding that the Department of2600the Interior includes numerous agencies with policy and funding2601objectives that often compete or conflict with the federal trust2602responsibility for vested tribal property rights in natural resources2603including water, fish, and wildlife, which are vital to our tribe's2604customs, traditions, culture and economy.2605    For example, Forrest Gerard, the first Assistant Secretary for2606Indian Affairs, wrote that the establishment of that post represented2607an unparalleled opportunity for Indians to influence policy at the2608highest levels of the Department. The Assistant Secretary will2609participate more in policy formulation in the Office of the Secretary2610and will be more directly involved with the Office of Management and2611Budget, and the Congress. Never before in the long history of2612FederalIndian relations have the head of the Bureau been so2613strategically placed within the Executive Branch. \1\2614---------------------------------------------------------------------------2615    \1\ https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/17/oa monograph/chapter/3142224/pdf at2616page 350.2617---------------------------------------------------------------------------2618    Assistant Secretary Gerard then stated what that meant for the2619federal trust responsibility.26202621        I am going to take an active rather than a reactive position as2622        to the trust obligation. And in order to accomplish this we are2623        going to strengthen the capabilities of the Bureau to deal with2624        trust responsibilities. This will mean increasing staffing in2625        the area of natural resource specialists within the office of2626        trust responsibilities. And I also will work to get additional2627        staffing in the division of Indian Affairs in the office of the2628        solicitor. \2\2629---------------------------------------------------------------------------2630    \2\ Id., at 348-34926312632    Upon President Reagan's appointment of Ross O. Swimmer as the2633fourth Assistant Secretary for Indian Affair in 1985, Secretary Donald2634Hodel embraced Forrest Gerard's vision of the Assistant Secretary's2635role by acting promptly to ensure that the Department would fully2636account for its federal trust responsibilities. He advised his senior2637staff that any issue affecting Indian Affairs in any Department program2638could not be brought to his attention for decision without it first2639having been timely reviewed by Assistant Secretary Swimmer in2640consultation with the affected tribe or tribes.2641    We bring this to your attention because an Interior Department2642Agency, the Bureau of Reclamation, has devastated fisheries in which2643the Hoopa Valley Tribe has vested property rights that the United2644States holds in trust. The Bureau's construction and operation of2645irrigation projects on the Klamath and Trinity Rivers caused that2646damage, notwithstanding statutory protections for the fisheries on2647which we have relied since time immemorial.2648    Note especially that our tribe is the unique beneficiary of an2649explicit and specific statutory trust responsibility in federal2650reclamation law to restore Trinity River fishery to populations that2651existed prior to the construction and operation of the Central Valley2652Project's Trinity River Division in California. Central Valley Project2653Improvement Act, Public Law 102-57 5 Title XXXIV  3406(b)(23) (1992).2654    Nonetheless, the Bureau of Reclamation has failed to fulfill that2655fiduciary restoration mandate, and the Klamath fishery will be2656adversely affected by Secretary Burgum's February 10, 2025, memorandum2657rescinding fishery protection measures on the Klamath River. The2658Secretary issued that memorandum without first obtaining the advice of2659a confirmed Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs or consultation with2660our Tribe.2661    Accordingly, we request you address the following questions to Mr.2662Kirkland at his confirmation hearing.26632664        What steps will you take to ensure fair consideration and full2665        protection of tribal trust resources and sovereignty affected2666        by Interior Department agencies other than the Bureau of Indian2667        Affairs?26682669        Will you ask Secretary Burgum to suspend his February 102670        decision on the Klamath River fishery until you have been2671        confirmed, reviewed the matter with the affected tribes in the2672        Klamath River Basin, and provided Secretary Burgum with your2673        advice?26742675        Will you ask Secretary Burgum to withhold other decisions that2676        tribes advise will have adverse impacts on tribal trust2677        resources until after you are confirmed and have had the chance2678        to consider them in consultation with the affected Indian2679        tribes?26802681        Will you ask Secretary Burgum to advise his senior staff that2682        any issue affecting Indian Affairs in any Department program2683        shall not be brought to his attention for decision without it2684        first having been timely reviewed by you in consultation with2685        the affected tribe or tribe?26862687    Your attention to this request is appreciated.2688                                 ______26892690                                Gila River Indian Community2691                                                       July 8, 202526922693Dear Chair Murkowski and Vice-Chair Schatz:26942695    On behalf of the Gila River Indian Community, I am writing to2696express the Community's support for the confirmation of William2697Kirkland to serve as Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs at the2698Department of the Interior.2699    The Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs position at the Department2700(ASIA) is a critical position for Indian Country. Tribes rely upon the2701ASIA to ensure the trust responsibility is carried out throughout the2702Department and to provide guidance to the Secretary on tribal programs2703and policies.2704    Mr. Kirkland's prior experience in the White House--2705Intergovernmental Office, during President Trump's first term will be2706valuable in the ASIA position. Mr. Kirkland interfaced with tribal2707governments at a stressful time as Indian Country was working with the2708White House to navigate during the pandemic. Through this experience,2709Mr. Kirkland developed a sense of the issues facing Indian Country and2710how to work together in partnership with tribal leaders to develop2711solutions. We think this experience will serve Mr. Kirkland well during2712his tenure as Assistant Secretary.2713    The Department is currently working to implement a number of2714Executive Orders issued by the President that impact Indian Country. In2715particular, the Department just concluded consultation on Executive2716Order 14210--``Implementing the President's Department of Government2717Efficiency's Workforce Optimization Initiative.'' Decisions will be2718made within the Department about potential realignment of resources,2719possible recission recommendations, and staffing that will impact how2720the trust responsibility is carried out and how tribal self-2721determination will be supported at the Department. The Community2722believes it is critical for the Department to have key decisionmakers2723confirmed in order for key policy decisions to take into account the2724needs of Indian Country.2725    We look forward to the Committee's nomination hearing on Mr.2726Kirkland on July 16th and we hope the Committee can move toward a quick2727vote and full Senate confirmation of Mr. Kirkland.27282729        Sincerely,2730                           Hon. Stephen Roe Lewis, Governor2731                                 ______27322733                                         The Klamath Tribes2734                                                      July 25, 202527352736Dear Chair Murkowski and Vice-Chair Schatz:27372738    I write today in support of the nomination of Billy Kirkland to2739serve as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department2740of the Interior. I am thrilled about his nomination and the potential2741for him to serve the Trump Administration and Indian Country in this2742capacity.2743    The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs plays a vital role in2744assisting and advising the Secretary of the Interior in fulfilling the2745Department's trust and treaty obligations. Their work necessitates2746strengthening the government-to-government/nation-to-nation2747relationship between the Federal Government and American Indian and2748Alaska Native Tribes, protecting Tribal trust assets, advocating for2749policies that uphold and enhance Tribal sovereignty, and administering2750the laws, regulations, and functions of the office to all 574 federally2751recognized Tribal Nations. I believe Mr. Kirkland demonstrates a strong2752ability to succeed in fulfilling these numerous responsibilities, and2753his appointment is a step towards enhancing the federal-Tribal2754partnership and addressing the pressing needs of our communities.2755    I am pleased to join many Tribal leaders and Indian organizations2756in expressing my wholehearted support for Mr. Kirkland and believe that2757he will excel in the role of Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. He2758is a proud American and a citizen of the Navajo Nation, with invaluable2759policy experience, having previously served as Special Assistant to the2760President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs during the2761Trump Administration. He has established a strong reputation and2762consistently demonstrated his ability to be an effective leader in this2763pivotal position.2764    I look forward to his swift confirmation by the U.S. Senate and2765future opportunities to work together on behalf of our Country's2766sovereign Tribal Nations.27672768        Sincerely,2769                            Hon. William Ray, Jr., Chairman2770                                 ______27712772                                              Oneida Nation2773                                                      July 19, 202527742775Dear Chairman Murkowski, Chairman Lee, Vice Chairman Schatz and Ranking2776Member Heinrich,27772778    On behalf of Oneida Nation, representing 17,200 tribal citizens, I2779submit our endorsement of Mr. William ``Billy'' Kirkland's nomination2780to serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs.2781A citizen of the Navajo Nation, Billy is one of our own and has lived2782and breathed the joys and challenges of Indian Country his entire life.2783He understands the foundation of tribal sovereignty and respects and2784honors Treaties as the supreme law of the land.2785    The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs is the person who will2786serve as a steward of the trust relationship between the United States2787and Indian tribes. When Billy served in a similar role in the initial2788Trump presidential team, he was a tremendous representative engaging in2789government-to-government relations with tribes and connecting Tribes2790with the appropriate agency across the federal government to help2791advocate for our tribes' priorities around public safety, healthcare,2792education and economic development. Billy has spent his career as a2793public servant, working for Indian Country and assisting communities2794that are in dire need. He understands religious freedom and respects2795the culture of Tribes, thus having an Assistant Secretary with such2796deep experience protecting sacred sites and tribal cultural practices2797would be tremendous. I also appreciate his professionalism and2798leadership experience. Like Secretary Burgum, he is knowledgeable and2799experienced in a broad range of industries including financing,2800technology, energy, tribal economic development efforts and navigating2801federal permitting challenges.2802    Although there is confidence in his professionalism and leadership2803abilities, there is also an expectation that disagreement will occur.2804However, I am confident that he will listen and be ready to offer, or2805consider, compromises and creative solutions, and this is exactly the2806type of person we need to work with Indian Country. I respectfully2807request your consideration and support of his nomination.28082809        With a Good Mind, a Good Heart, and a Strong Fire,2810                           Hon. Tehassi tasi Hill, Chairman2811                                 ______28122813                                      Yavapai-Apache Nation2814                                                      July 23, 202528152816Dear Chairman Murkowski, Chairman Lee, Vice Chairman Schatz and Ranking2817Member Heinrich,28182819    On behalf of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, I am pleased to offer our2820strong support for the nomination of William ``Billy'' Kirkland to2821serve as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.2822    Billy, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, brings a lifetime of lived2823experience and commitment to Tribal Nations. Raised with a deep respect2824for Tribal sovereignty and Treaty rights, Billy has spent his career in2825public service working to strengthen government-to-government2826relationships and deliver results for Indian Country.2827    During his time in the Trump Administration, Billy was a trusted2828advocate who engaged regularly with tribal leaders. He was accessible,2829respectful, and consistently helped connect tribes with key federal2830decision-makers, especially on issues like public safety, healthcare,2831and economic development.2832    Billy's background also includes significant work on religious2833freedom and the protection of sacred sites--issues of critical2834importance to our communities. Combined with his experience in2835technology, energy, and economic development, he brings a rare and2836valuable perspective to this role.2837    We may not expect agreement on every issue, but we know Billy will2838always listen and work in good faith to find solutions that serve2839Tribal interests. The Yavapai-Apache Nation offers our full endorsement2840and urges his swift confirmation.28412842        Sincerely,2843                               Hon. Tanya Lewis, Chairwoman2844                                 ______28452846                           ANCSA Regional Association (ARA)2847                                                       July 7, 202528482849Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz,28502851    I write on behalf of the ANCSA Regional Association (ARA) whose2852members represent the 12 Alaska Native regional corporations2853established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971.2854ARA's members collectively serve more than 160,000 Alaska Native2855shareholders, descendants, and their families, and are stewards of2856millions acres of land in Alaska.2857    ARA is pleased to support the nomination of William ``Billy''2858Kirkland as the 15th Assistant to the Secretary for Indian Affairs at2859the Department of the Interior. Many of our members had the opportunity2860to work with Mr. Kirkland in his capacity as Special Assistant to the2861President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the first2862Trump Administration and were impressed by his commitment to American2863Indians and Alaska Native peoples.2864    As a member of the Navajo Nation, Mr. Kirkland will be instrumental2865in carrying out the federal government's trust and treaty2866responsibilities to tribes and ANCs across Indian country and Alaska.2867    Alongside several other major Native organizations, ARA urges the2868Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to recommend Mr. Kirkland for a full2869Senate vote without delay and looks forward to working with him in his2870new role.2871    Thank you for your time and consideration. Please contact me2872directly if you have any questions about the content of this letter.28732874        Quyana,2875                                 Nicole Borromeo, President2876                                 ______28772878            Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation2879                                                      July 14, 202528802881Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz,28822883    On behalf of the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, I2884am writing to express our support for President Trump's nomination of2885William ``Billy'' Kirkland to be the next Assistant Secretary--Indian2886Affairs (AS-IA).2887    The U.S. Department of the Interior carries out a wide range of2888programs that were established to effectuate the United States' unique2889trust responsibility to Indian tribes and Indian people. These include2890law enforcement, natural resources, economic develpment, and social2891services, to name a few.2892    Indian tribes face ongoing challenges to provide for the health and2893welfare of their people. the Chehalis Tribe is no exception. The Office2894of AS-IA is the tip of the spear for these issues at the Department.2895    A backlog of pending decisions, including fee-to-trust2896applications, has accumulated at the Department that affect Indian2897tribes, including matters that will benefit the Chehalis Tribe. Most of2898these decisions will remain pending until the AS-IA position is filled.2899With each passing day that the AS-IA position remains vacant, Indian2900country lacks a Senate-confirmed voice within the Department to2901advocate with Department leadership and the Administration on its2902behalf.2903    For these reasons, the Chehalis Tribe urges the Committee to2904expeditiously report favorably on his nomination and for the U.S.2905Senate to swiftly confirm Mr. Kirkland as Assistant Secretary--Indian2906Affairs.2907    Thank you for the opportunity to express the Tribe's support.29082909        Sincerely,2910                              Hon. Dustin Klatush, Chairman2911                                 ______29122913                                       Quechan Indian Tribe2914                                                      July 10, 202529152916Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz,29172918    On behalf of the Quechan Tribe of the Ft. Yuma Indian Reservation2919(``Tribe''), I write to express our strong support for the nomination2920of William ``Billy'' Kirkland III, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, as2921the next Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. Mr. Kirkland's deep2922understanding of tribal governments, extensive leadership experience,2923and commitment to upholding tribal sovereignty make him an ideal2924candidate for this position.2925    The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs plays a vital role in2926advising the Secretary of the Interior and fulfilling the federal2927government's trust obligations to tribal nations. It is imperative that2928the Assistant Secretary be someone who not only understands the unique2929positions of tribal governments but also possesses in-depth knowledge2930of the Department of the Interior and the federal government's2931responsibilities to Indian Country.2932    Throughout his career, Mr. Kirkland has demonstrated a strong2933commitment to Indian Country. As a citizen of the Navajo Nation, former2934Special Assistant to the President, and Deputy Director of2935Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Kirkland brings both personal experience2936and professional expertise that will be essential to supporting tribal2937sovereignty and self-determination.2938    The Tribe looks forward to engaging with Mr. Kirkland upon his2939confirmation to protect and strengthen our government-to-government2940relationship and advance policies that support tribal nations. We2941remain committed to partnering with the Department of the Interior to2942uphold tribal sovereignty and address critical issues facing our2943communities.2944    We respectfully urge you to swiftly confirm Mr. Kirkland so that he2945may begin the important work of serving tribes. We appreciate your2946attention to this matter and your continued support of tribal nations.29472948        Respectfully,2949                         Hon. Jonathan E. Koteen, President2950                                 ______29512952                                          The Navajo Nation2953                                                      July 15, 202529542955Dear Chair Murkowski and Vice Chair Schatz,29562957    On behalf of the Navajo Nation, I write to express support for the2958confirmation of William ``Billy'' Kirkland to serve as the Assistant2959Secretary of Indian Affairs (AS-IA) in the Department of the Interior2960(DOI).2961    Mr. Kirkland is a member of the Navajo Nation and brings an2962understanding of tribal priorities, as well as a lived connection to2963the people and lands that the DOI is tasked with serving. His record of2964public service and private sector leadership makes him uniquely2965qualified to carry out the duties of this important role with vision,2966accountability, and respect for the sovereignty of tribal nations.2967    During his tenure in the Executive Office of President Trump, Mr.2968Kirkland played a role in elevating Native voices in the policymaking2969process. He assisted greatly in revitalizing the White House Council on2970Native American Affairs, and he helped establish direct lines of2971communication between tribal leaders and senior federal officials. Mr.2972Kirkland's efforts also helped lead to President Trump's historic2973``Operation Lady Justice,'' aimed at addressing the longstanding2974Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis in Indian Country.2975    Mr. Kirkland's efforts to bridge communication divides extends2976beyond his work at the White House. Among other achievements, he helped2977establish the Atlanta Braves Native American Working Group, creating2978meaningful dialogue between the organization and Native communities to2979promote cultural understanding and representation.2980    The responsibilities of the AS-IA are vast and consequential,2981encompassing the effective delivery of services to tribal communities,2982the upholding of treaty obligations, and the stewardship of natural and2983cultural resources. I am confident that Mr. Kirkland's leadership,2984experience, commitment, and cultural grounding will serve all tribes2985with integrity, and I look forward to working alongside Mr. Kirkland to2986advance essential priorities for all of Indian Country.2987    We are grateful to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs for2988holding the confirmation hearing for Mr. Kirkland, and the Navajo2989Nation supports his confirmation. Ahehee' (Thank you).29902991        Sincerely,2992                                  Dr. Buu Nygren, President2993                                 ______29942995                           Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation2996                                                     March 10, 202529972998Dear Chair Murkowski and Vice Chair Schatz,29993000    The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, formerly known as the San3001Manuel Band of Mission Indians, supports the nomination of William3002``Billy'' Kirkland III to serve as Assistant Secretary for Indian3003Affairs at the Department of the Interior. Mr. Kirkland's experience3004working for President Trump and on Native American issues make him a3005strong candidate for this role.3006    Given the significant and quick changes being made throughout the3007federal government and at the Interior Department, we urge you to3008timely consider Mr. Kirkland's nomination. Mr. Kirkland previously3009served as the Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of3010Intergovernmental Affairs in the White House from 2017 to 2021. During3011that time, we found him to be accessible and informative. We believe it3012is important that he be confirmed as soon as possible so he can help3013tribal governments navigate the many changes that are taking place.3014    Mr. Kirkland has demonstrated a good understanding of the unique3015government-to-government, trust relationship between Native American3016Tribes and the federal government. He also understands the challenges3017faced by tribal governments and our desire to streamline and lessen the3018bureaucracy while upholding the sacred trust responsibility to tribal3019nations.3020    Tribal governments play an important role in our local and regional3021economies, and we believe eliminating unnecessary federal regulations,3022streamlining federal funding mechanisms, growing economic development,3023and strengthening our rights of self-determination enhance our3024contributions within our regions. Mr. Kirkland understands these values3025and has a record of working collaboratively with tribal leaders on such3026issues as education, healthcare, and land management.3027    We urge you to act quickly and forward the nomination of William3028Kirkland to the full Senate for their approval.30293030        Sincerely,3031                          Hon. Lynn R. Valbuena, Chairwoman3032                                 ______30333034                                  Standing Rock Sioux Tribe3035                                                      July 15, 202530363037Dear Chair Murkowski and Vice Chair Schatz,30383039    The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe supports Mr. William ``Billy''3040Kirkland's nomination to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Indian3041Affairs. His extensive experience and deep knowledge make him an3042exceptional candidate for this critical role. As a member of the Navajo3043Nation with previous White House experience, Mr. Kirkland possesses a3044unique understanding of the challenges Tribes face and has the3045necessary leadership skills to navigate the complex relationship3046between Tribal Nations and the Federal government.3047    The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs plays a vital role in3048assisting the Secretary of the Interior with the Department's trust and3049Treaty responsibilities to Federally recognized Tribes and individual3050Tribal citizens. When Mr. Kirkland served during President Trump's3051first term, he engaged in government-to-government relations with3052Tribal Nations and connected Tribal leaders with agency leadership to3053help Tribal leadership advocate for priorities on law enforcement,3054healthcare, and economic development.3055    We are pleased to offer our full support for Mr. Kirkland's3056nomination and confirmation for Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.3057Thank you for your consideration.30583059        Sincerely,3060                              Hon. Janet Alkire, Chairwoman3061                                 ______30623063                          Koi Nation of Northern California3064                                                      July 11, 202530653066Dear Chair Murkowski and Vice Chair Schatz,30673068    On behalf of the Koi Nation of Northern California Tribal Council3069and the citizens of the Koi Nation, I am writing to express my strong3070support for the nomination of William Kirkland as Assistant Secretary--3071Indian Affairs. Mr. Kirkland's career reflects a commitment to3072addressing the pressing needs of Tribal communities. I am confident3073that he is uniquely qualified to serve in this critical role.3074    Throughout his career, Mr. Kirkland has established a reputation3075for building bridges and engaging with Tribal leaders. These qualities3076are vital to ensuring the federal government meets its trust3077responsibilities to Tribal nations while supporting our self-governance3078and self-determination.3079    Moreover, Mr. Kirkland possesses the leadership skills, strategic3080vision, and passion necessary to navigate the multifaceted challenges3081inherent to Indian Affairs. His experience working alongside Tribal3082leaders and his commitment to the sovereignty of Tribal governments3083affirm his readiness to take on the responsibilities of Assistant3084Secretary.3085    I am confident that, under his leadership, the Department of3086Interior will continue to advance initiatives that honor Tribal3087sovereignty, foster sustainable development, and support the3088preservation of our cultural lifeways. His appointment would signal a3089renewed commitment to addressing the needs and aspirations of Native3090American communities with integrity and respect.3091    I respectfully urge the Committee's support of Mr. Kirkland's3092nomination. His expertise, experience, and record of leadership make3093him an exemplary candidate for this important position. Thank you for3094your attention to this matter.30953096        Sincerely,3097                               Hon. Darin Beltran, Chairman3098                                 ______30993100            Hoopa Valley Tribal Council, Hoopa Valley Tribe3101                                                  February 20, 202531023103Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz,31043105    Thank you for Senator Murkowski's February 5, 2025, letter to3106Acting OMB Director Matthew Vaeth that urged him to protect the3107integrity of the federal trust relationship with Indian tribes and3108enforce the ``statutory authorities, treaty, and/or trust obligations''3109of the United States to Indian tribes.3110    As the Committee on Indian Affairs considers William Kirkland's3111nomination to be the Department of the Interior's Assistant Secretary3112for Indian Affairs, we request that you seek assurances from Mr.3113Kirkland that he will be a voice in the Administration for fair and3114full consideration of issues affecting tribal rights and sovereignty.3115    We make this request with the understanding that the Department of3116the Interior includes numerous agencies with policy and funding3117objectives that often compete or conflict with the federal trust3118responsibility for vested tribal property rights in natural resources3119including water, fish, and wildlife, which are vital to our tribe's3120customs, traditions, culture and economy.3121    For example, Forrest Gerard, the first Assistant Secretary for3122Indian Affairs, wrote that the establishment of that post represented3123an31243125        unparalleled opportunity for Indians to influence policy at the3126        highest levels of the Department. The Assistant Secretary will3127        participate more in policy formulation in the Office of the3128        Secretary and will be more directly involved with the Office of3129        Management and Budget, and the Congress. Never before in the3130        long history of Federal-Indian relations have the head of the3131        Bureau been so strategically placed within the Executive3132        Branch. \1\3133---------------------------------------------------------------------------3134    \1\ https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/17/oa_monograph/chapter/3142224/pdf at3135page 350.31363137    Assistant Secretary Gerard then stated what that meant for the3138---------------------------------------------------------------------------3139federal trust responsibility.31403141        I am going to take an active rather than a reactive position as3142        to the trust obligation. And in order to accomplish this we are3143        going to strengthen the capabilities of the Bureau to deal with3144        trust responsibilities. This will mean increasing staffing in3145        the area of natural resource specialists within the office of3146        trust responsibilities. And I also will work to get additional3147        staffing in the division of Indian Affairs in the office of the3148        solicitor. \2\3149---------------------------------------------------------------------------3150    \2\ Id., at 348-34931513152    Upon President Reagan's appointment of Ross O. Swimmer as the3153fourth Assistant Secretary for Indian Affair in 1985, Secretary Donald3154Hodel embraced Forrest Gerard's vision of the Assistant Secretary's3155role by acting promptly to ensure that the Department would fully3156account for its federal trust responsibilities. He advised his senior3157staff that any issue affecting Indian Affairs in any Department program3158could not be brought to his attention for decision without it first3159having been timely reviewed by Assistant Secretary Swimmer in3160consultation with the affected tribe or tribes.3161    We bring this to your attention because an Interior Department3162Agency, the Bureau of Reclamation, has devastated fisheries in which3163the Hoopa Valley Tribe has vested property rights that the United3164States holds in trust. The Bureau's construction and operation of3165irrigation projects on the Klamath and Trinity Rivers caused that3166damage, notwithstanding statutory protections for the fisheries on3167which we have relied since time immemorial.3168    Note especially that our tribe is the unique beneficiary of an3169explicit and specific statutory trust responsibility in federal3170reclamation law to restore Trinity River fishery to populations that3171existed prior to the construction and operation of the Central Valley3172Project's Trinity River Division in California. Central Valley Project3173Improvement Act, Public Law 102-57 5 Title XXXIV  3406(b)(23) (1992).3174    Nonetheless, the Bureau of Reclamation has failed to fulfill that3175fiduciary restoration mandate, and the Klamath fishery will be3176adversely affected by Secretary Burgum's February 10, 2025, memorandum3177rescinding fishery protection measures on the Klamath River. The3178Secretary issued that memorandum without first obtaining the advice of3179a confirmed Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs or consultation with3180our Tribe.3181    Accordingly, we request you address tl1e following questions to Mr.3182Kirkland at his confirmation hearing.31833184        What steps will you take to ensure fair consideration and full3185        protection of tribal trust resources and sovereignty affected3186        by Interior Department agencies other than the Bureau of Indian3187        Affairs?31883189        Will you ask Secretary Burgum to suspend his February 103190        decision on the Klamath River fishery until you have been3191        confirmed, reviewed the matter with the affected tribes in the3192        Klamath River Basin, and provided Secretary Burgum with your3193        advice?31943195        Will you ask Secretary Burgum to withhold other decisions that3196        tribes advise will have adverse impacts on tribal trust3197        resources until after you are confirmed and have had the chance3198        to consider them in consultation with the affected Indian3199        tribes?32003201        Will you ask Secretary Burgum to advise his senior staff that3202        any issue affecting Indian Affairs in any Department program3203        shall not be brought to his attention for decision without it3204        first having been timely reviewed by you in consultation with3205        the affected tribe or tribe?32063207    Your attention to this request is appreciated.32083209        Sincerely,3210                         Hon. Ryan Jackson, Acting Chairman3211                                 ______32123213                                 25th Navajo Nation Council3214                                                      July 14, 202532153216Dear Chairwoman Murkowski, Vice Chairman Schatz, Ranking Member3217Heinrich, and Senator Lujan,32183219    I write as the Speaker of the 25th Navajo Nation Council to offer3220my support for Mr. William ``Billy'' Kirkland's nomination to serve as3221the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs based on his3222extensive experience and knowledge working at the federal level with3223tribal nations across the country. As a citizen of the Navajo Nation,3224Mr. Kirkland understands the challenges of many tribes and how to3225navigate the complex working relations between the federal government3226and tribes.3227    The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs is tasked with3228supporting Interior Secretary Doug Burgum as the chief steward of the3229trust relationship between the United States and tribes. When Mr.3230Kirkland served in a similar role in the previous Trump Administration,3231he was a key partner in engaging in government-to-government relations3232with tribes. He worked with and connected tribes with key officials and3233agencies across the federal government to empower tribes to advocate3234for our priorities, significantly on public safety, healthcare, and3235economic development. He clearly understands and respects tribal3236sovereignty and the importance of treaties. He has spent his career as3237a public servant, working for Indian Country and impoverished3238communities.3239    Mr. Kirkland's vast knowledge, experience, and dedication make him3240a great candidate to oversee the Indian Affairs. He understands how3241tribes can navigate economic development efforts and federal permitting3242challenges. His experience over a broad range of industries and3243financing is valuable to the Department of the Interior and tribes.3244    I am pleased to offer my full support for Mr. Kirkland to serve as3245Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs. I thank you for3246your consideration and look forward to continuing our work together.32473248        Sincerely,3249                            Hon. Crystalyne Curley, Speaker3250                                 ______32513252                       Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community3253                                                       July 2, 202532543255Dear Chairman Murkowski, Vice Chair Schatz, and Members of the Senate3256Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA),32573258    On behalf of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, we are3259writing to express our support for the nomination of William ``Billy''3260Kirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, to serve as Assistant3261Secretaiy--Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of Interior3262(Interior). This position is critical to upholding the federal3263government's trust and treaty responsibilities and ensuring the3264effective delivery of services to Tribal governments and their members.3265    During his tenure as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy3266Director of Intergovernmental from 2017 to 2021, Mr. Kirkland earned3267the trust of many Tribal leaders by listening with respect, responding3268to concerns with action, and advocating for Tribal priorities3269throughout the administration. His understanding of the government-to-3270government relationship between Tribal governments and the United3271States federal government, along with his practical experience engaging3272directly with Tribal leaders and communities across the country, make3273him qualified for this role.3274    We are confident that Mr. Kirkland will bring his experience and3275values to the position of Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs and will3276serve Indian Country with integrity and dedication. For these reasons,3277we respectfully urge SCIA to approve Mr. Kirkland's nomination.32783279        Sincerely,3280                              Hon. Cole W. Miller, Chairman3281                                 ______32823283                       Osage Minerals Council, Osage Nation3284                                                  February 21, 202532853286Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:32873288    The Osage Minerals Council strongly supports the nomination of3289William `` Billy'' Kirkland to be the next the Assistant Secretary for3290Indian Affairs within the Department of the Interior. Mr. Kirkland3291previously served within the White House as a Special Assistant to3292President Trump and as a Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs3293from 2017 to 2021. Mr. Kirkland knows how to get things done in3294Washington, D.C. and, as a member of the Navajo Nation, he understands3295the importance of upholding the Federal government's trust and treaty3296responsibilities.3297    The Osage Minerals Council is the elected tribal governing body3298recognized under the Osage Allotment Act of June 28, 1906 and the Osage3299Nation Constitution to administer, develop, and protect the Osage3300Mineral Estate. The Osage Mineral Estate is one of the oldest and3301longest producing oil fields in the United States. Maintaining3302production of oil and gas resources, overcoming permitting challenges,3303and protecting the Osage Mineral Estate are our top priorities.3304    We look forward to working with Mr. Kirkland to promote efficient3305and responsible permitting processes in our work to develop and produce3306oil and gas resources within our Osage Mineral Estate. Mr. Kirkland's3307own tribe, the Navajo Nation, has extensive experience in energy3308development and we believe this experience will help inform Mr.3309Kirkland's leadership efforts within Interior and across all the3310Federal agencies involved in Indian energy development.3311    Indian energy must be included in the Administration's Energy3312Dominance Agenda and we believe that Mr. Kirkland would be an important3313ally and supporter oflndian energy development which benefits our3314communities as well as the United States as a whole. We strongly3315support Billy Kirkland as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.33163317        Sincerely,3318                             Hon. Myron Red Eagle, Chairman3319                                 ______33203321                                        CALISTA CORPORATION3322                                                  February 21, 202533233324Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:33253326    I write in support of the nomination of William ``Billy'' Kirkland3327as the Assistant Secretary of Interior for Indian Affairs.3328    Mr. Kirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, has experience3329working in President Trump's first Administration as a Special3330Assistant to the President. We are optimistic that, if confirmed, he3331will carry out with enthusiasm and effectiveness the federal3332government's treaty, trust, and statutory responsibilities on behalf of3333American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people and our3334nations.3335    As you know, President Trump has moved quickly on a number of3336national initiatives that have had an impact on the federal funding and3337services provided to Tribal governments and Native people. We urge you3338to move quickly to conduct Mr. Kirkland's confirmation hearing and to3339report him favorably to the full Senate. The opportunities and3340challenges presented by the new Administration are best addressed if3341the President has his team in place as soon as possible, and that3342includes Mr. Kirkland.3343    Quyana (Thank you in Yugtun--the Yup'ik language) for the3344opportunity to share this recommendation with you.33453346        Respectfully,3347                                  Andrew Guy, President/CEO3348                                 ______33493350                         Forest County Potawatomi Community3351                                                  February 20, 202533523353Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice-Chairman Schatz:33543355    I am writing on behalf of the Forest County Potawatomi Community3356(FCPC) to support the appointment and confirmation of William ``Billy''3357Kirkland for Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs within the U.S.3358Department of the,lnterior. Mr. Kirkland is a citizen of the Navajo3359Nation, which has a long history of working with the United States3360toward tribal self-governance and self-determination. Mr. Kirkland also3361has experience working in federal service, particularly with the Trump3362administration, and will be an important voice to support programs that3363impact tribes and tribal citizens.3364    Mr. Kirkland is well-qualified to be the primary steward of the3365United States' trust and treaty obligations to tribes. He served as3366Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of3367Intergovernmental Affairs from 2017 to 2021, during which he regularly3368met with tribal leaders, helping them to navigate the federal3369bureaucracy to achieve their goals. Further, Mr. Kirkland has worked3370with tribal governments in support of various economic development3371enterprises, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the3372University of Georgia. We believe this background, along with his3373Navajo Nation citizenship, have provided Mr. Kirkland a clear3374understanding of the United States' duties and obligations to tribal3375nations, which were bargained for in exchange for precious land, water,3376and mineral resources that are now largly managed by the Department of3377the Interior.3378    We fully support the confirmation of Billy Kirkland to serve as the3379Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs within the U.S. Department of the3380Interior, and look forward to working with him to advance the interests3381of tribal nations across the United States.33823383        Sincerely,3384                           Hon. James A. Crawford, Chairman3385                                 ______33863387                                PORT GAMBLE S'KLALLAM TRIBE3388                                                       July 7. 202533893390Dear Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Schatz,33913392    I write today in support of the nomination of Billy Kirkland to3393serve as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department3394of the Interior. I am thrilled about his nomination and the potential3395for him to serve the Trump Administration and Indian Country in this3396capacity.3397    The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs plays a vital role in3398assisting and advising the Secretary of the Interior in fulfilling the3399Department's trust and treaty obligations. Their work necessitates3400strengthening the government-to-government/nation-to-nation3401relationship between the Federal Government and American Indian and3402Alaska Native Tribes, protecting Tribal trust assets, advocating for3403policies that uphold and enhance Tribal sovereignty, and administering3404the laws, regulations, and functions of the office to all 574 federally3405recognized Tribal Nations. I believe Mr. Kirkland demonstrates a strong3406ability to succeed in fulfilling these numerous responsibilities, and3407his appointment is a step towards enhancing the federal-Tribal3408partnership and addressing the pressing needs of our communities.3409    I am pleased to join many Tribal leaders and Indian organizations3410in expressing my wholehearted support for Mr. Kirkland and believe that3411he will excel in the role of Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. He3412is a proud American and a citizen of the Navajo Nation, with invaluable3413policy experience, having previously served as Special Assistant to the3414President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs during the3415Trump Administration. He has established a strong reputation and3416consistently demonstrated his ability to be an effective leader in this3417pivotal position.3418    I look forward to his swift confinnation by the U.S. Senate and3419future opportunities to work together on behalf of our Country's3420sovereign Tribal Nations.34213422        Sincerely,3423                             Hon. Amber Caldera, Chairwoman3424                                 ______34253426                             Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina3427                                                       July 9, 202534283429Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:34303431    On behalf of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, I am writing to3432express our strong support for William ``Billy'' Kirkland to be3433Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior.3434Mr. Kirkland has a long and dedicated history supporting Indian tribes3435in both the public and private sectors.3436    An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, Mr. Kirkland understands3437the importance of tribal sovereignty, the Federal trust responsibility,3438and the importance of the government-to-government relationship the3439United States maintains with tribal governments.3440    Mr. Kirkland served in President Trump's first administration as3441the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the White House. In that3442role, Mr. Kirkland advanced the President's vision of reducing3443bureaucracy, increasing energy dominance, and supporting economic3444development in tribal communities. Mr. Kirkland was also a strong3445supporter of funding for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women3446initiative and the creation of Operation Lady Justice in the Department3447of the Interior.3448    Mr. Kirkland's confirmation will complement the leadership team3449that President Trump and Secretary Burgum have put in place at the3450Department of the Interior. The Lumbee Tribe wholeheartedly endorses3451his nomination and encourages the Committee to swiftly move the3452nomination to the Senate for final consideration.34533454        Sincerely,3455                       Hon. John L. Lowery, Tribal Chairman3456                                 ______34573458                                            Cherokee Nation3459                                                       July 9, 202534603461Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:34623463    I write today on behalf of Cherokee Nation to express the Nation's3464support for Senate confirmation of Mr. William ``Billy'' Kirkland as3465Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs at the Department of the3466Interior. Mr. Kirkland has a long track record of supporting Indian3467Tribes both in the public and the private sectors.3468    Mr. Kirkland is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Mr.3469Kirkland understands the importance of tribal sovereignty, the federal3470trust responsibility, tribal treaties, and the importance of the3471government-to-government relationships between federally recognized3472Indian Tribes and the United States. Mr. Kirkland served in President3473Trump's first administration and as Special Assistant to the President3474and the Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the White3475House. In that role, Mr. Kirkland supported the President's vision of3476reducing bureaucracy, increasing energy dominance, and supporting3477economic development opportunities for Tribes. Mr. Kirkland was a3478strong supporter of funding for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women3479and the creation of Operation Lady Justice at the Department of the3480Interior.3481    Mr. Kirkland's confirmation will complement the excellent3482leadership team that President Trump and Secretary Burgum have put in3483place at the Department of the Interior. We wholeheartedly endorse his3484nomination and encourage his swift confirmation by the United States3485Senate for this position of such critical importance to Indian Country.34863487        Sincerely,3488                    Hon. Chuck Hoskin, Jr., Principal Chief3489                                 ______34903491                       FORT INDEPENDENCE INDIAN RESERVATION3492                                                      June 26, 202534933494Dear Madame Chairwoman:34953496    On behalf of the tribal leadership of the Fort Independence Indian3497Reservation, I write in support of the nomination of William Kirkland3498for the position Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian3499Affairs.3500    Mr. Kirkland is a strong supporter of federal policies regarding3501tribal sovereignty and self determination and is extremely well3502qualified for this important position. I am confident, Mr. Kirkland3503will help foster enhanced relations between the administration and3504Indian Country.3505    On behalf of the Fort Independence Indian Reservation, I3506respectfully urge you to confirm Mr. Kirkland's nomination.35073508        Sincerely,3509                        Hon. Carl Dahlberg, Tribal Chairman3510                                 ______35113512                                        Big Sandy Rancheria3513                                                      June 30, 202535143515Dear Madame Chairwoman:35163517    On behalf of the tribal leadership of the Big Sandy Band of Western3518Mono Indians, I write in support of the nomination of William Kirkland3519for Assistant Secretary of the Department of the Interior for Indian3520Affairs.3521    Mr. Kirkland is a strong supporter of federal policies regarding3522tribal sovereignty and self determination and is extremely well3523qualified for this important position. I am confident, Mr. Kirkland3524will help foster enhanced relations between the administration and3525Indian Country.3526    On behalf of the Big Sandy Band of Western Mono Indians, I3527respectfully urge you to confirm Mr. Kirkland's nomination.35283529        Sincerely,3530                       Hon. Elizabeth Hutchins, Chairperson3531                                 ______35323533                                   Alturas Indian Rancheria3534                                                      June 26, 202535353536Dear Madame Chairwoman:35373538    On behalf of the tribal leadership of the Alturas Indian Rancheria,3539I write in support of the nomination of William Kirkland for the3540position Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs.3541    Mr. Kirkland is a strong supporter of federal policies regarding3542tribal sovereignty and self determination and is extremely well3543qualified for this important position. I am confident, Mr. Kirkland3544will help foster enhanced relations between the administration and3545Indian Country.3546    On behalf of the Alturas Indian Rancheria, I respectfully urge you3547to confirm Mr. Kirkland's nomination.35483549        Sincerely,3550                            Hon. Phillip Del Rosa, Chairman3551                                 ______35523553                                         The Catawba Nation3554                                                       July 7, 202535553556Dear Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Schatz,35573558    I write today in support of the nomination of Billy Kirkland to3559serve as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department3560of the Interior. I am thrilled at his nomination and potential to serve3561the Trump Administration and Indian Country in this capacity.3562    The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs plays a vital role in3563assisting and advising the Secretary of the Interior in fulfilling the3564Department's trust and treaty obligations. Their work necessitates3565strengthening the government-to-government/nation-to-nation3566relationship between the Federal Government and American Indian and3567Alaska Native Tribes, protecting Tribal trust assets, advocating for3568policies that uphold and enhance Tribal sovereignty, and administering3569the laws, regulations, and functions of the office to all 574 federally3570recognized Tribal Nations. I believe Mr. Kirkland demonstrates a strong3571ability to succeed in fulfilling these responsibilities, and his3572appointment is a step towards enhancing the federal-Tribal partnership3573and addressing the pressing needs of our communities.3574    I am pleased to join many Tribal leaders and Indian organizations3575in expressing my wholehearted support for Mr. Kirkland and believe that3576he will excel in the role of Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. He3577is a proud American and a Navajo Nation citizen with invaluable policy3578experience, having previously served as Special Assistant to the3579President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs during the3580previous Trump Administration. He has established a strong reputation3581and consistently demonstrated his ability to be an effective leader in3582this pivotal position.3583    I look forward to his swift confirmation by the U.S. Senate and3584future opportunities to work together on behalf of our Country's3585sovereign Tribal Nations.35863587        Sincerely,3588                                   Hon. Brian Harris, Chief3589                                 ______35903591                                       Greenville Rancheria3592                                                       July 7, 202535933594Dear Madame Chairwoman:35953596    On behalf of the tribal leadership of the Greenville Rancheria, I3597write in support of the nomination of William Kirkland for Assistant3598Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs.3599    Mr. Kirkland is a strong supporter of federal policies regarding3600tribal sovereignty and self determination and is extremely well3601qualified for this important position. I am confident, Mr. Kirkland3602will help foster enhanced relations between the administration and3603Indian Country.3604    On behalf of the Greenville Rancheria, I respectfully urge you to3605confirm Mr. Kirkland's nomination.36063607        Sincerely,3608                                   Hon. Kyle Self, Chairman3609                                 ______36103611                               Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe3612                                                       July 7, 202536133614Dear Madame Chairwoman:36153616    On behalf of the tribal leadership of the Flandreau Santee Sioux3617Tribe, I write in support of the nomination of William Kirkland for the3618position Secretary of Interior for Indian Affairs.3619    Mr. Kirkland is a strong supporter of federal policies regarding3620tribal sovereignty and self determination and is extremely well3621qualified for this important position. I am confident, Mr. Kirkland3622will help foster enhanced relations between the administration and3623Indian Country.3624    On behalf of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, I respectfully urge3625you to confirm Mr. Kirkland's nomination.36263627        Sincerely,3628                             Hon. Anthony Reider, President3629                                 ______36303631                          Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians3632                                                      June 23, 202536333634Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz,36353636    On behalf of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, I am writing to express3637our support for the nomination of William Kirkland, a citizen of the3638Navajo Nation, to be the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the3639Department of the Interior. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe (``MLBO'' or3640``Band'') is a federally-recognized, sovereign, and independent Indian3641Tribal Government with approximately 5,000 members. The Band is3642responsible for providing critical governmental services to Band3643members, including programs providing healthcare, public safety, land3644management, housing, and education services across its 61,000-acre3645Reservation in East-Central Minnesota.3646    We believe Mr. Kirkland brings leadership experience in areas3647relevant to Indian Affairs, having previously served as Special3648Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental3649Affairs from 2017 to 2021. The Band joins with Navajo Nation President3650Buu Nygren in endorsing Mr. Kirkland's nomination given his prior3651experience and his broad support throughout Indian Country. His track3652record indicates a personal commitment to building and maintaining3653strong relationships with Tribal leaders. The Mille Lacs Band is3654confident that Kirkland will be the right choice in fulfilling the3655treaty and trust responsibilities to Tribal Nations, and in advancing3656the enduring federal policies of Indian Self-Determination and Tribal3657Self-Governance.3658    This is the type of supportive leadership that we hope to have in3659Washington, D.C. For this reason, we encourage the Senate Committee on3660Indian Affairs to swiftly approve the nomination of Mr. Kirkland as3661Interior's Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs and to promptly secure3662confirmation of his nomination by the full U.S. Senate.36633664        Miigwech,3665                          Hon. Virgil Wind, Chief Executive3666                                 ______36673668               Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians3669                                                      June 25, 202536703671Dear Members of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs,36723673    I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for William3674``Billy'' Kirkland's nomination as the Assistant Secretary of Indian3675Affairs. As someone deeply committed to advancing the welfare of Native3676American communities, I am confident that Mr. Kirkland possesses the3677expertise, vision, and dedication necessary to effectively serve in3678this critical role.3679    Billy Kirkland has a long and distinguished record of public3680service, especially in his work with Indigenous communities. His3681experience in both policy and advocacy has provided him with a unique3682understanding of the challenges facing Native Americans, as well as the3683innovative solutions needed to address these challenges. Throughout his3684career, Mr. Kirkland has demonstrated commitment to empowering tribal3685governments and advancing economic development, education, and health3686initiatives that uplift Native communities.3687    One of the most impressive aspects of Mr. Kirkland's work is his3688ability to build meaningful relationships and collaborate across3689diverse sectors. He has proven his capacity to work effectively with3690tribal leaders and other stakeholders to promote sustainable and3691impactful initiatives.3692    Billy Kirkland's nomination comes at a time when it is essential to3693have a leader in the Department of the Interior who is not only3694knowledgeable but also passionate about advancing the interests of3695Native communities. I have no doubt that his leadership will continue3696to bring forward the progress needed to ensure the wellbeing and3697prosperity of Native peoples for generations to come. I strongly urge3698the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to confirm Billy. Kirkland as3699the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs. His qualifications,3700integrity, and commitment to tribal sovereignty make him an outstanding3701choice for this important position.3702    Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to the3703opportunity to see Mr. Kirkland's continued leadership in this vital3704role.37053706        Sincerely,3707                            Hon. Tracey Hopkins, Chairwoman3708                                 ______37093710                                  Cook Inlet Tribal Council3711                                                      June 27, 202537123713Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:37143715    On behalf of Cook Inlet Tribal Council, I am writing to express my3716strong support for Mr. William ``Billy'' Kirkland for the position of3717Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs at the Department of the3718Interior. Mr. Kirkland has a long and dedicated history supporting3719Tribes both in the public and private sectors.3720    Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) is a Tribal nonprofit organization3721serving Alaska Native and American Indian people residing in the Cook3722Inlet region of southcentral Alaska. Since its creation in 1983, CITC3723has developed an extensive array of culturally responsive workforce3724development, job placement, education, treatment, and child welfare3725programming serving over 10,000 people annually.3726    Mr. Kirkland is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Mr.3727Kirkland understands the importance of Tribal sovereignty, trust3728responsibility, and government-to-government relationships. Previously,3729Mr. Kirkland served in President Trump's first administration and as3730the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the White House. In that3731role, Mr. Kirkland supported the President's vision of reducing3732bureaucracy, increasing energy dominance, and supporting economic3733development opportunities for Tribes. Mr. Kirkland was a strong3734supporter of funding for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and the3735creation of Operation Lady Justice at the Department of the Interior.3736    Mr. Kirkland's confirmation will complement the leadership team3737that President Trump and Secretary Burgum have put in place at the3738Department of the Interior. I wholeheartedly endorse his nomination and3739encourage his swift confirmation for this critical position.3740    If you have any questions or require further information, please do3741not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your continued leadership and3742commitment to advancing the well-being and sovereignty of Tribal3743Nations.37443745        Sincerely,3746                         Hon. Gloria O'Neill, President/CEO3747                                 ______37483749                                      MOAPA BAND OF PAIUTES3750                                                      June 27, 202537513752Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:37533754    On behalf of the Moapa Band of Paiutes, I am writing to express my3755strong support for Mr. William ``Billy'' Kirkland for the position of3756Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs at the Department of the3757Interior. Mr. Kirkland has a long and dedicated history supporting3758tribes both in the public and private sectors.3759    Mr. Kirkland is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Mr.3760Kirkland understands the importance of tribal sovereignty, trust3761responsibility, and the importance of government-to-government3762relationships. Previously, Mr. Kirkland served in President Trump's3763first administration and as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs3764for the White House. In that role, Mr. Kirkland supported the3765President's vision of reducing bureaucracy, increasing energy3766dominance, and supporting economic development opportunities for3767Tribes. Mr. Kirkland was a strong supporter of funding for Missing and3768Murdered Indigenous Women and the creation of Operation Lady Justice at3769the Department of the Interior.3770    Mr. Kirkland's confirmation will complement the leadership team3771that President Trump and Secretary Burgum have put in place at the3772Department of the Interior. I wholeheartedly endorse his nomination and3773encourage his swift confirmation for this critical position.37743775        Sincerely,3776                         Hon. Mario Monroe, Tribal Chairman3777                                 ______37783779                             Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake3780                                                      June 19, 202537813782Dear Chairwoman Murkowski:37833784    The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake is a federally recognized Indian3785tribe located in a remote, rural area of California. We have emerged3786from an attempted termination under the California Rancheria Act to be3787an economic leader in our rural community reinjecting millions of3788dollars into a community and region that has traditionally been one of3789the poorest in California. As a nearly terminated tribe, our3790interactions with the Bureau of Indian Affairs are an integral aspect3791of rebuilding our nation.3792    We have carefully reviewed the qualifications and past actions of3793William ``Billy'' Kirkland. After that review, our Executive Council3794(the elected governing body of our tribe) unanimously supports his3795appointment as the Assistant Secretary of the Interior--Indian Affairs3796(ASIA) at the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). We have determined3797that as a citizen of the Navajo Nation with a unique blend of federal3798experience, business insight. and tribal knowledge, Mr. Kirkland will3799bring a perspective to the ASIA position that will benefit our Tribe3800and all of Indian Country.3801    Mr. Kirkland's prior service in the White House and his3802demonstrated commitment to maintaining open lines of communication with3803Tribal Nations show that he understands the importance of trust,3804sovereignty, and government-to-government engagement. Indian Country3805faces complex challenges, and it is encouraging to see the nomination3806of someone who not only has direct tribal connections, but also a3807proven track record of high-levelservice and outreach. We are confident3808that Mr. Kirkland will bring stable leadership, thoughtful direction,3809and a collaborative spirit to the role--qualities that are essential3810for advancing self-determination, upholding tribal sovereignty, and3811strengthening the federal-tribal relationship.3812    We urge the Committee to move forward with this nomination without3813delay. The position of Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs is too3814important to remain vacant at a time when Indian Country needs strong,3815steady leadership.38163817        Sincerely,3818                         Hon. Danielle Cirelli, Chairperson3819                                 ______38203821                      Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope3822                                                      June 24, 202538233824Dear Chair Murkowski, Vice Chair Schatz, and Members of the Senate3825Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA),38263827    On behalf of the Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope (ICAS), we3828are writing to support the nomination of William ``Billy'' Kirkland to3829serve as Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of3830Interior (Interior). This position is critical to upholding the federal3831government's trust and treaty responsibilities and ensuring the3832effective delivery of services to Tribal governments and their members.3833As a member of the Navajo Nation, Mr. Kirkland understands firsthand3834the importance of this position.3835    ICAS appreciated the commitment Mr. Kirkland had to Indian Country3836throughout his tenure as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy3837Director of Intergovernmental Affairs from 2017 to 2021. Mr. Kirkland3838listened to Tribes with respect, responded to concerns with action, and3839advocated the views of Indian Country to the President and throughout3840the federal government.3841    As Tribal governments continue to face significant challenges and3842opportunities--from land and resource stewardship to economic3843development--leadership that is responsive, experienced, and grounded3844in respect for Tribal sovereignty is more important than ever. We are3845confident that Mr. Kirkland has the experience, skills, and values3846required to effectively serve as Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.3847For this reason, we respectfully urge SCIA to approve Mr. Kirkland's3848nomination.38493850        Sincerely,3851                       Hon. Nicole Wojciechowski, President3852                                 ______38533854                                                Kiowa Tribe3855                                                      June 24, 202538563857Dear Chairwoman Murkowski;38583859    On behalf of the Kiowa Executive Branch, I write in support of the3860nomination of William Kirkland for the position of Assistant Secretary3861for Indian Affairs.3862    Mr. Kirkland is a strong supporter of federal policies regarding3863tribal sovereignty and self-determination and is extremely well3864qualified for this important position. The Kiowa Tribe Executive Branch3865is confident Mr. Kirkland will help foster enhanced relations between3866the Tribal Nation Governments, the Trump Administration, and Congress.3867    I respectfully urge you to confirm the nomination of Mr. Kirkland.38683869        Sincerely,3870                         Hon. David Sullivan, Vice Chairman3871                                 ______38723873                                              QUAPAW NATION3874                                                      June 24, 202538753876Dear Madame Chairwoman,38773878    We write to you today to offer our strong support for Mr. William3879Kirkland's nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary for Indian3880Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior. Mr. Kirkland brings3881with him a deep understanding of Indian Country, grounded experience3882working with Tribal Nations, and a lifelong commitment to advancing the3883sovereignty, rights, and well-being of Native peoples.3884    Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Kirkland has demonstrated3885the vision, leadership, and diplomacy required for this critical role.3886He has built meaningful relationships with Tribal leaders, listened to3887diverse perspectives across Indian Country, and consistently advocated3888for policies that honor Tribal sovereignty and foster self-3889determination. His integrity, cultural awareness, and strong3890administrative skills make him uniquely qualified to serve in this3891capacity.3892    Indian Country deserves leadership that understands the complex3893challenges our communities face: from protecting treaty rights and3894improving infrastructure to strengthening Tribal governments and3895supporting the next generation. Mr. Kirkland has not only shown his3896capacity to meet these challenges, but has done so with humility and3897collaboration.3898    On behalf of the Quapaw Nation, we respectfully urge you to support3899and advance Mr. Kirkland's confirmation. His appointment would bring a3900principled, knowledgeable, and dedicated leader to the Bureau of Indian3901Affairs, someone Indian Country can trust to move us forward with3902respect and partnership.3903    Thank you for your continued advocacy for Alaska Native and3904American Indian communities, and your thoughtful consideration of this3905important nomination.39063907        Sincerely,3908                          Hon. Kathryn Wena Supernaw, Chair3909                                 ______39103911                                   Gabrielino/Tongva Nation3912                                                      June 20, 202539133914Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:39153916    On behalf of the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation, I am writing to express3917my strong support for Mr. William ``Billy'' Kirkland for the position3918of Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs at the Department of the3919Interior. Mr. Kirkland has a long and dedicated history supporting3920tribes both in the public and private sectors.3921    Mr. Kirkland is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Mr.3922Kirkland understands the importance of tribal sovereignty, trust3923responsibility, and the importance of government-to-government3924relationships. Previously, Mr. Kirkland served in President Trump's3925first administration and as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs3926for the White House. In that role, Mr. Kirkland supported the3927President's vision of reducing bureaucracy, increasing energy3928dominance, and supporting economic development opportunities for3929Tribes. Mr. Kirkland was a strong supporter of funding for Missing and3930Murdered Indigenous Women and the creation of Operation Lady Justice at3931the Department of the Interior.3932    Mr. Kirkland's confirmation will complement the leadership team3933that President Trump and Secretary Burgum have put in place at the3934Department of the Interior. I wholeheartedly endorse his nomination and3935encourage his swift confirmation for this critical position.39363937        Sincerely,3938              Hon. Sandonne Goad, Tribal Council Chairwoman3939                                 ______39403941                                 SCHAGHTICOKE TRIBAL NATION3942                                                      June 24, 202539433944Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:39453946    On behalf of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, I am writing to3947express my strong support for Mr. Wiltiam ``Billy'' Kirkland for the3948position of Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs at the Department of3949the Interior. Mr. Kirkland has a long and dedicated history supporting3950tribes both in the public and private sectors.3951    Mr. Kirkland is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Mr.3952Kirkland understands the importance of tribal sovereignty, trust3953responsibility, and the importance of government-to-government3954relationships. Previously, Mr. Kirkland served in President Trump's3955first administration and as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs3956for the White House, in that role, Mr. Kirkland supported the3957President's vision of reducing bureaucracy, increasing energy3958dominance, and supporting economic development opportunities for3959Tribes. Mr. Kirkland was a strong supporter of funding for Missing and3960Murdered Indigenous Women and the creation of Operation Lady Justice at3961the Department of the Interior.3962    Mr. Kirkland's confirmation will complement the leadership team3963that President Trump and Secretary Burgum have put in place at the3964Department of the Interior. I wholeheartedly endorse his nomination and3965encourage his swift confirmation for this critical position.39663967        Sincerely,3968                                  Hon. Richard Velky, Chief3969                                 ______39703971                   Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians3972                                                      June 20, 202539733974Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:39753976    On behalf of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, I am3977writing to express my strong support for Mr. Wiltiam ``Billy'' Kirkland3978for the position of Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs at the3979Department of the Interior. Mr. Kirkland has a long and dedicated3980history supporting tribes both in the public and private sectors.3981    Mr. Kirkland is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Mr.3982Kirkland understands the importance of tribal sovereignty, trust3983responsibility, and the importance of government-to-government3984relationships. Previously, Mr. Kirkland served in President Trump's3985first administration and as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs3986for the White House, in that role, Mr. Kirkland supported the3987President's vision of reducing bureaucracy, increasing energy3988dominance, and supporting economic development opportunities for3989Tribes. Mr. Kirkland was a strong supporter of funding for Missing and3990Murdered Indigenous Women and the creation of Operation Lady Justice at3991the Department of the Interior.3992    Mr. Kirkland's confirmation will complement the leadership team3993that President Trump and Secretary Burgum have put in place at the3994Department of the Interior. I wholeheartedly endorse his nomination and3995encourage his swift confirmation for this critical position.39963997        Sincerely,3998                       Hon. Jamie S. Azure, Tribal Chairman3999                                 ______40004001                                        Tunica-Biloxi Tribe4002                                                      June 20, 202540034004Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz,40054006    On behalf of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, I write to4007express my full support for the nomination of Mr. William ``Billy''4008Kirkland to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the4009U.S. Department of the Interior.4010    Mr. Kirkland is not only a dedicated public servant, but a man who4011understands what it means to work with Indian Country, not just for it.4012As an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, he carries with him lived4013experience and an appreciation for the challenges and opportunities4014that tribal nations face every day. He has consistently demonstrated a4015deep respect for tribal sovereignty, the federal trust responsibility,4016and the importance of meaningful government-to-government4017relationships.4018    During his prior service in the Trump Administration, including his4019time as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House, Mr.4020Kirkland was a reliable and effective partner to tribal leaders.4021Whether advancing economic development, addressing the crisis of4022Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, or advocating for streamlined4023access to federal programs, he worked to ensure that tribes were heard,4024respected, and empowered.4025    This nomination represents not just a personnel decision, but an4026opportunity to continue building a team at the Department of the4027Interior that understands the unique political and cultural status of4028tribal nations. Mr. Kirkland's leadership, experience, and trust within4029Indian Country will be an asset to the Department and to this4030Administration. I urge the Committee to move swiftly in confirming Mr.4031Kirkland to this critical position. Indian Country deserves strong,4032principled leadership--and we see that in Billy Kirkland.40334034        With sincere respect,4035                        Hon. Marshall Pierite, Chairman/CEO4036                                 ______40374038                                               Osage Nation4039                                                      June 23, 202540404041Dear Chairwoman Murkoswki:40424043    As Principal Chief of the Osage Nation, I write in support of the4044nomination of William Kirkland for the position of Assistant Secretary4045for Indian Affairs.4046    Mr. Kirkland is a strong supporter of federal policies regarding4047tribal sovereignty and self-determination and is extremely well4048qualified for this important position. I am confident Mr. Kirkland will4049help foster enhanced relations between the tribal nation governments4050and the administration and congress.4051    I respectfully urge you to confirm the nomination of Mr. Kirkland.40524053        Sincerely,4054            Hon. Geoffrey M. Standing Bear, Principal Chief4055                                 ______40564057                                            Tara M. Sweeney4058                                                      June 20, 202540594060Dear Chair Murkowski and Distinguished Members of the U.S. Senate4061Committee on Indian Affairs:40624063    I am writing in support of William ``Billy'' Kirkland's nomination4064by President Trump to be the 15th Assistant Secretary for Indian4065Affairs within the Department of the Interior.4066    Mr. Kirkland has extensive experience with the Trump4067Administration, serving in the first Trump Administration (45) as the4068Special Assistant to the President of the United States, as well as his4069role as Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White4070House.4071    These public service roles provided Mr. Kirkland with a greater4072understanding of the federal policies impacting Indian Country and4073Alaska Native communities.4074    Further, I appreciate Mr. Kirkland's genuine desire to understand4075the complexities of Alaska Native peoples, communities and governance.4076William understands that it is not effective to apply a one-size-fits-4077all approach to federal Indian policy, and that he will be a strong4078voice inside the Trump Administration for all of Indian Country and4079Alaska Natives.4080    I join the chorus of Native and congressional leaders across the4081United States applauding President Trump for nominating William4082Kirkland.4083    Mr. Kirkland has a strong team surrounding him at the Department of4084the Interior with Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Scott Davis and4085Deputy Assistant Secretary Ken Bellmard. His leadership will compliment4086Secretary Burgum and President Trump's initiatives to empower Native4087American communities.4088    Further, I believe they will continue to work on policy that4089promotes tribal sovereignty, and responsibly and respectfully uphold4090the treaty and trust obligations the Department of the Interior has4091with Indian Country.4092    Thank you for the opportunity to share my support for Mr. Kirkland4093with the committee. The Indian Affairs hallway needs a complete team in4094order to effectively serve our Native peoples. Approving his nomination4095is one step closer to strengthening Indian Affairs.40964097        Quyanaqpak,4098    Hon. Tara M. Sweeney, 13th Assistant Secretary--Indian4099                                                     AIairs4100                                 ______41014102                             COLT COALITION OF LARGE TRIBES4103                                                   February 4, 202541044105Dear Chairman Murkowski, Chairman Lee, Vice Chairman Schatz and Ranking4106Member Heinrich,41074108    I write as Chairman of the Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT)--an4109intertribal organization representing the interests of the more than 504110tribes with reservations of 100,000 acres or more, encompassing more4111than 95 percent of the Indian Country lands and more than half the4112Native American population--to deliver COLT's enthusiastic endorsement4113of Mr. William ``Billy'' Kirkland's nomination to serve as the4114Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs. A citizen of4115the Navajo Nation, Billy is one of our own and has lived and breathed4116the joys and challenges of large land base tribes his entire life. From4117the cradle, he has learned to respect and honor Treaties as the supreme4118law of the land. From our perspective, there is no better nominee to4119serve Indian Country in this pivotal role.4120    The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs is the person who will4121support Secretary Burgum as the chief steward of the trust relationship4122between the United States and Indian tribes. When Billy served in a4123similar role in the first Trump White House team, Billy was a4124tremendous representative for the President in engaging in government-4125to-government relations with tribes. COLT tribal leaders dealt with him4126often. He was accessible. He was helpful. He was a good listener.4127Importantly, he was also always able to connect us with the right folks4128across the federal government to help us advocate for our tribes'4129priorities, significantly on public safety, healthcare and economic4130development. He clearly understands and respects tribal sovereignty and4131Treaties. He has spent his career as a public servant, working for4132Indian Country and other poor communities. One issue to which he has4133given a great deal of his time, and which COLT also strongly supports4134as a priority, is religious freedom. Having an Assistant Secretary with4135such deep experience on protecting sacred sites and tribal cultural4136practices would be tremendous.4137    COLT is thrilled to see Billy nominated to the Secretary's Office.4138He is someone in whom we have complete trust and confidence. We do not4139expect him to always agree with every position a tribe or tribes might4140advance, but we know he will listen and be ready to offer compromises4141and creative solutions to do absolutely the best he can for tribes.4142    We also appreciate his professional and leadership experience. Like4143Secretary Burgum, Billy too knows technology and he knows energy. He4144has lived tribal economic development efforts and understands4145navigating federal permitting challenges. Billy is always about lifting4146up others. His experience over a broad range of industries and4147financing deals is a rare and valuable set of skills. He is exactly the4148kind of leader tribes need at the Interior Department.4149    Billy Kirkland has COLT's highest recommendation and endorsement to4150serve as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs.41514152        Very Respectfully,4153Hon J Garret Renville, COLT Chairman; Chairman, Sisseton-4154                  Wahpeton Oyate, Lake Traverse Reservation4155                                 ______41564157                  United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians4158                                                     March 24, 202541594160Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Shatz:41614162    Siyo!4163    I write on behalf of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians4164in Oklahoma, a federally recognized Tribe comprising traditional4165Cherokee People with headquarters on the Cherokee Reservation in4166northeastern Oklahoma. We applaud President Trump for the nomination of4167William ``Billy'' Kirkland to serve as Assistant Secretary--Indian4168Affairs.4169    We look forward to working with President Trump, Secretary Burgum4170and, upon his confirmation, Assistant Secretary Kirkland, and this4171Committee as we all strive to achieve self-determination and financial4172independence in Indian Country.4173    We respectfully urge the Committee to advance Mr. Kirkland's4174confirmation as soon as practicable. Wado!41754176        Respectfully,4177                                   Hon. Jeff Wacoche, Chief4178                                 ______41794180                  COW CREEK BAND OF UMPQUA TRIBE OF INDIANS4181                                                     March 18, 202541824183Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Brian Schatz:41844185    I write on behalf of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians4186in support of William ``Billy'' Kirkland to serve as the next U.S.4187Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs. We4188are pleased by his nomination to serve the Trump Administration and4189Tribal nations in this capacity.4190    The Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs is charged with ensuring4191that the United States upholds its trust and treaty responsibilities to4192Tribal nations. That includes fostering Tribal economic development4193within a Tribe's aboriginal and reservation homelands, and protecting4194against territorial or other encroachments that interfere with a4195Tribe's efforts towards self-reliance.4196    We look forward to Mr. Kirkland's swift confirmation by the U.S.4197Senate and to working with him to protect Tribal homelands and improve4198the daily lives of Cow Creek Tribal citizens.41994200        Sincerely,4201                                 Hon. Carla Keene, Chairman4202                                 ______42034204                                    Kootenai Tribe of Idaho4205                                                  February 26, 202542064207Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:42084209    On behalf of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, I write in support of the4210nomination of William ``Billy'' Kirkland as the Assistant Secretary of4211Interior for Indian Affairs.4212    Mr. Kirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, has experience4213working in President Trump's first Administration as a Special4214Assistant to the President. We are optimistic that, if confirmed, he4215will carry out with enthusiasm and effectiveness the federal4216government's treaty, trust, and statutory responsibilities on behalf of4217American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people and our4218nations.4219    As you know, President Trump has moved quickly on a number of4220national initiatives that have had an impact on the federal funding and4221services provided to Tribal governments and Native people. We urge you4222to move quickly to conduct Mr. Kirkland's confirmation hearing and to4223report him favorably to the full Senate. The opportunities and4224challenges presented by the new Administration are best addressed if4225the President has his team in place as soon as possible, and that4226includes Mr. Kirkland.4227    Thank you for the opportunity to share this recommendation with4228you.42294230        Sincerely,4231                           Hon. Jennifer Porter, Chairwoman4232                                 ______42334234                              LUMMI INDIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL4235                                                      March 7, 202542364237Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:42384239    On behalf of the Chairman of Lummi Nation, I write in support of4240the nomination of William ``Billy'' Kirkland as the Assistant Secretary4241of Interior for Indian Affairs.4242    Mr. Kirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, has experience4243working in President Trump's first Administration as a Special4244Assistant to the President. We are optimistic that, if confirmed, he4245will carry out with enthusiasm and effectiveness the federal4246government's treaty, trust, and statutory responsibilities on behalf of4247American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people and our4248nations.4249    As you know, President Trump has moved quickly on a number of4250national initiatives that have had an impact on the federal funding and4251services provided to Tribal governments and Native people. We urge you4252to move quickly to conduct Mr. Kirkland's confirmation hearing and to4253report him favorably to the full Senate. The opportunities and4254challenges presented by the new Administration are best addressed if4255the President has his team in place as soon as possible, and that4256includes Mr. Kirkland.4257    Thank you for the opportunity to share this recommendation with4258you.42594260        Sincerely,4261       Hon. Anthony (Tony) Hillaire, Chairman, Lummi Nation4262                                 ______42634264                             Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation4265                                                  February 21, 202542664267Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:42684269    On behalf of Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, I write in support of4270the nomination of William ``Billy'' Kirkland as the Assistant Secretary4271of Interior for Indian Affairs.4272    Mr. Kirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, has experience4273working in President Trump's first Administration as a Special4274Assistant to the President. We are optimistic that, if confirmed, he4275will carry out with enthusiasm and effectiveness the federal4276government's treaty, trust, and statutory responsibilities on behalf of4277American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people and our4278nations.4279    As you know, President Trump has moved quickly on a number of4280national initiatives that have had an impact on the federal funding and4281services provided to Tribal governments and Native people. We urge you4282to move quickly to conduct Mr. Kirkland's confirmation hearing and to4283report him favorably to the full Senate. The opportunities and4284challenges presented by the new Administration are best addressed if4285the President has his team in place as soon as possible, and that4286includes Mr. Kirkland.4287    Thank you for the opportunity to share this recommendation with4288you42894290        Sincerely,4291            Hon. Joseph P. Rupnick, Tribal Council Chairman4292                                 ______42934294                        Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas4295                                                  February 20, 202542964297Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:42984299    On behalf of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, I write in4300support of the nomination of William ``Billy'' Kirkland as the4301Assistant Secretary of Interior for Indian Affairs.4302    Mr. Kirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, has experience4303working in President Trump's first Administration as a Special4304Assistant to the President. We are optimistic that, if confirmed, he4305will carry out with enthusiasm and effectiveness the federal4306government's treaty, trust, and statutory responsibilities on behalf of4307American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people and our4308nations.4309    As you know, President Trump has moved quickly on a number of4310national initiatives that have had an impact on the federal funding and4311services provided to Tribal governments and Native people. We urge you4312to move quickly to conduct Mr. Kirkland's confirmation hearing and to4313report him favorably to the full Senate. The opportunities and4314challenges presented by the new Administration are best addressed if4315the President has his team in place as soon as possible, and that4316includes Mr. Kirkland.4317    Thank you for the opportunity to share this recommendation with4318you43194320        Sincerely,4321                       Hon. Estavio Elizondo, Sr., Chairman4322                                 ______43234324                                      Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation4325                                                     March 20, 202543264327Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:43284329    On behalf of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, we are writing to express4330our support of the nomination of William ``Billy'' Kirkland as the4331Assistant Secretary of Interior for Indian Affairs. We are pleased by4332his nomination and believe his experience will be valuable in this4333crucial role.4334    The Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs is charged with ensuring4335that the United States upholds its trust and treaty responsibilities to4336Tribal nations. That includes fostering Tribal economic development4337within a Tribe's aboriginal and reservation homelands, and protecting4338against territorial or other encroachments that interfere with a4339Tribe's efforts towards self-reliance.4340    Mr. Kirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, has previously served4341as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of4342Intergovernmental Affairs from 2017 to 2021. In this role, he served as4343a direct point of contact for tribal governments and was instrumental4344in giving tribal leaders a voice on critical issues.4345    We are optimistic that, if confirmed, he will carry out with4346enthusiasm and effectiveness the federal government's treaty, trust,4347and statutory responsibilities on behalf of American Indian, Alaska4348Native, and Native Hawaiian people and our nations.4349    The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation looks forward to the opportunity to work4350collaboratively with Mr. Kirkland upon his confirmation to protect our4351tribal sovereignty and advance the goals of our Citizens. We believe4352his commitment to engaging with Indian Country will be beneficial for4353all tribal nations.4354    Thank you for your consideration of our support for William4355``Billy'' Kirkland III.43564357        Sincerely,4358                       Hon. Jeri Lynn Thompson, Chairperson4359                                 ______43604361                     SANTA ROSA RANCHERIA TACHI YOKUT TRIBE4362                                                     March 20, 202543634364Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:43654366    On behalf of the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe4367(``Tribe''), I write to express our strong support for the nomination4368of William ``Billy'' Kirkland III, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, as4369the next Assistant Secretaiy for Indian Affairs. Mr. Kirkland's deep4370understanding of tribal governments, extensive leadership experience,4371and commitment to upholding tribal sovereignty make him an ideal4372candidate for this position.4373    The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs plays a vital role in4374advising the Secretary of the Interior and fulfilling the federal4375government's trust obligations to tribal nations. It is imperative that4376the Assistant Secretaiy be someone who not only understands the unique4377positions of tribal governments but also possesses in-depth knowledge4378of the Department of the Interior and the federal government's4379responsibilities to Indian Country.4380    Throughout his career, Mr. Kirkland has demonstrated a strong4381commitment to Indian Country. As a citizen of the Navajo Nation, former4382Special Assistant to the President, and Deputy Director of4383Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Kirkland brings both personal experience4384and professional expertise that will be essential to supporting tribal4385sovereignty and self-determination.4386    The Tribe looks forward to engaging with Mr. Kirkland upon his4387confirmation to protect and strengthen our government-to-government4388relationship and advance policies that support tribal nations. We4389remain committed to partnering with the Department of the Interior to4390uphold tribal sovereignty and address critical issues facing our4391communities.4392    We respectfully urge you to swiftly confirm Mr. Kirkland so that he4393may begin the important work of serving tribes. We appreciate your4394attention to this matter and your continued support of tribal nations.43954396        Respectfully,4397                                   Hon. Leo Sisco, Chairman4398                                 ______43994400                            Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians4401                                                     March 17, 202544024403Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:44044405    On behalf of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians (``Tribe''), I4406write to express our strong support for the nomination of William4407``Billy'' Kirkland III, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, as the next4408Assistant Secretaiy for Indian Affairs. Mr. Kirkland's deep4409understanding of tribal governments, extensive leadership experience,4410and commitment to upholding tribal sovereignty make him an ideal4411candidate for this position.4412    The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs plays a vital role in4413advising the Secretary of the Interior and fulfilling the federal4414government's trust obligations to tribal nations. It is imperative that4415the Assistant Secretaiy be someone who not only understands the unique4416positions of tribal governments but also possesses in-depth knowledge4417of the Department of the Interior and the federal government's4418responsibilities to Indian Country.4419    Throughout his career, Mr. Kirkland has demonstrated a strong4420commitment to Indian Country. As a citizen of the Navajo Nation, former4421Special Assistant to the President, and Deputy Director of4422Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Kirkland brings both personal experience4423and professional expertise that will be essential to supporting tribal4424sovereignty and self-determination.4425    The Tribe looks forward to engaging with Mr. Kirkland upon his4426confirmation to protect and strengthen our government-to-government4427relationship and advance policies that support tribal nations. We4428remain committed to partnering with the Department of the Interior to4429uphold tribal sovereignty and address critical issues facing our4430communities.4431    We respectfully urge you to swiftly confirm Mr. Kirkland so that he4432may begin the important work of serving tribes. We appreciate your4433attention to this matter and your continued support of tribal nations.44344435        Respectfully,4436                                Hon. John Shotton, Chairman4437                                 ______44384439                            Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians4440                                                     March 17, 202544414442Dear Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz:44434444    On behalf of the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians (``Tribe''), I4445write to express our strong support for the nomination of William4446``Billy'' Kirkland III, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, as the next4447Assistant Secretaiy for Indian Affairs. Mr. Kirkland's deep4448understanding of tribal governments, extensive leadership experience,4449and commitment to upholding tribal sovereignty make him an ideal4450candidate for this position.4451    The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs plays a vital role in4452advising the Secretary of the Interior and fulfilling the federal4453government's trust obligations to tribal nations. It is imperative that4454the Assistant Secretaiy be someone who not only understands the unique4455positions of tribal governments but also possesses in-depth knowledge4456of the Department of the Interior and the federal government's4457responsibilities to Indian Country.4458    Throughout his career, Mr. Kirkland has demonstrated a strong4459commitment to Indian Country. As a citizen of the Navajo Nation, former4460Special Assistant to the President, and Deputy Director of4461Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Kirkland brings both personal experience4462and professional expertise that will be essential to supporting tribal4463sovereignty and self-determination.4464    The Tribe looks forward to engaging with Mr. Kirkland upon his4465confirmation to protect and strengthen our government-to-government4466relationship and advance policies that support tribal nations. We4467remain committed to partnering with the Department of the Interior to4468uphold tribal sovereignty and address critical issues facing our4469communities.4470    We respectfully urge you to swiftly confirm Mr. Kirkland so that he4471may begin the important work of serving tribes. We appreciate your4472attention to this matter and your continued support of tribal nations.44734474        Respectfully,4475                          Hon. Flaman McCloud Jr., Chairman4476                                 ______44774478    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Mike Rounds to4479                       William ``Billy'' Kirkland4480    Question 1. Mr. Kirkland, in your testimony you mentioned that you4481wanted to engage with this committee as well as other tribal4482stakeholders on issues impacting Indian Country, if confirmed, as part4483of your listening tour will you commit to visiting South Dakota?4484    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to visiting with you and4485engaging with Tribes in South Dakota.44864487    Question 2. Mr. Kirkland, under the Biden administration, the4488Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) maintained that the agency would need4489$1.7 billion to fully staff tribal law enforcement agencies. Whether or4490not this figure is accurate, it is clear there are real funding4491challenges.4492    In FY24 Congress appropriated $553 million to the BIA for Public4493Safety and Justice operations. But from this, South Dakota tribes4494received $19.5 million for criminal investigations and police services.4495To put this in perspective, under the current continuing resolution,4496for every dollar appropriated to the BIA for Public Safety and Justice4497operations, South Dakota tribes receive 3.53 pennies. At the same time,4498a disproportionate percentage of crime is committed in the Great Plains4499Region and according to the FBI, South Dakota tribes face some of the4500highest crime rates in the nation.4501    This stems from an outdated and antiquated funding formula used by4502BIA, one that fails to take into account the serious public safety4503threats faced by our tribes in South Dakota. Mr. Kirkland, can I have4504your commitment to review how BIA allocates Public Safety funds to make4505sure we are supporting tribes with the greatest need?4506    Answer. I recognize the challenges involved in policing within4507Indian Country and am committed to ensuring high-quality services so4508that we maintain safe Indian Country communities. As I am not at the4509Department, I am not familiar with the allocation formulas for Public4510Safety and Justice operations. But if confirmed, I commit to learning4511more about this issue and to work with the committee on ensuring that4512funds are efficiently and effectively allocated.45134514    Question 3. Mr. Kirkland, compounding these issues is the4515requirement that nearly all prospective tribal officers, including4516direct service and 638 officers, are required to receive training at4517the Indian Police Academy (IPA) in Artesia, New Mexico. In recent4518conversations with tribal police chiefs, it has become apparent the4519requirement to send prospective officers to the IPA has hampered4520recruitment efforts on the Great Plains. Are you willing to consider4521the creation of an additional facility in the Great Plains?4522    Answer. If confirmed, I will get up to speed on this and look4523forward to working with you on finding ways to address public safety in4524Indian Country.4525                                 ______45264527    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Brian Schatz to4528                       William ``Billy'' Kirkland4529    Question 1. You noted that you have provided campaign and strategic4530consulting services for several state and national clients. At any4531point during your time as a consultant in private practice, did you4532handle any matter(s) related to Tribes? If yes, please describe.4533    Answer. As I noted at my hearing, my prior experience in the White4534House, in business, and in government relations has given me the unique4535tools to serve all Indian Country, Alaska Natives, ANCs and Native4536Hawaiians. I am honored to be nominated for this position, and if4537confirmed, I will use my experience both inside and out of government4538to deliver for Indian Country.45394540    Question 2. At any point during your service at the White House as4541Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Assistant to4542the President, did you handle any matter(s) related to Tribes? If yes,4543please describe4544    Answer. During my time in the White House, I was proud to work4545closely with the Department of the Interior and the Office of Indian4546Affairs on a range of issues. Our administration was the first to4547formally recognize the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.4548President Trump issued an Executive Order establishing Operation Lady4549Justice and later issued a proclamation on Missing and Murdered4550American Indians and Alaska Natives and signed Savanna's Act and the4551Not Invisible Act. I was privileged to be part of the first4552administration to recognize and honor Native Code Talkers in the Oval4553Office.45544555    Question 3. You noted that your experience at the White House4556involved coordinating with 50 state governors, 7,386 state legislators,455733,144 counties, and roughly 19,000 county commissioners and board4558members. How many of the 574 federally-recognized Tribal governments4559did you directly interface with in your roles at the White House?4560    Answer. Engaging with Indian Country is not a game of numbers.4561During my time in the White House, I was proud to work closely with the4562Department of the Interior and the Office of Indian Affairs on a range4563of issues. Our administration was the first to formally recognize the4564crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. President Trump issued4565an executive order establishing Operation Lady Justice and later issued4566a proclamation on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska4567Natives and signed into law Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act. I4568am proud of the accomplishments of the first Trump Administration and4569if confirmed, I look forward to working with tribes to build upon those4570accomplishments.45714572    Question 4. If confirmed, will you ensure all the bureaus and4573offices under your management are transparent and responsive to4574Congress in its oversight capacity by--45754576        a. Timely and fully responding to all Committee inquiries and4577        letters?45784579        b. Complying with Committee deadlines for submitting testimony?45804581        c. Providing technical assistance and briefings in a timely4582        manner when requested?45834584    Answer. I believe in transparency and responsiveness, and if4585confirmed, I look forward to responding to the Committee's requests as4586appropriate in a timely manner in accordance with law.45874588    Question 5. In your responses to the Committee questionnaire, you4589mention the importance of setting goals for the organization, which4590will focus on leading to ``more economic opportunities through4591increased access to capital and better broadband connectivity.'' You4592also mention major goals as ``better and more innovative education4593opportunities,'' and major operational objectives as a ``more4594streamlined approach to oil, gas, and mineral exploration throughout4595Indian Country,'' working to ``improve the process and speed in which4596various approvals happen,'' and ``how the land into trust process is4597managed.''45984599        a. What are your specific policy goals for increased access to4600        capital at the BIA and other federal education programs serving4601        Native communities?46024603        b. What are your specific policy goals for better broadband4604        connectivity at the BIA and other federal education programs4605        serving Native communities?46064607        c. What are your specific policy goals for more innovative4608        education opportunities at the BIE and other federal education4609        programs serving Native communities?46104611        d. What are your specific policy goals for a more streamlined4612        approach to oil, gas, and mineral exploration throughout Indian4613        Country?46144615        e. Will your specific policy goals to streamline energy4616        exploration in Indian Country include renewable technologies if4617        Tribes request or want those processes streamlined as well?46184619        f. What are your specific policy goals to improve the process4620        and speed in which various approvals happen? What does4621        ``various approvals'' include?46224623        g. What are your specific policy goals to improve how the land4624        into trust process is managed?46254626    Answer. My specific goals are to improve economic opportunities,4627education, law enforcement and infrastructure in Indian Country as we4628improve the trust relationship with tribal nations. As I stated at my4629hearing, if confirmed, I intend to spend my first 90 days listening to4630tribal leaders and the Congressional Committees of jurisdiction to4631understand top priorities and will work closely with the political and4632career employees at the Department to develop a clear action plan. I4633will work to build consensus and then move quickly once met.46344635    Question 6. What is your current employment during your nomination4636and pending confirmation? Please list all employers.4637    Answer. My current employment is set forth in my ethics paperwork4638and supplemental 5-day letter previously provided to this committee.46394640    Question 7. What will the nature of your relationship be with your4641PWK Group clients listed as current on your questionnaire, if4642confirmed? Please include in your description individual explanations4643for each of your current clients, including Lt. Governor Burt Jones and4644U.S. Representative Brian Jack.4645    Answer. I have worked with the Department's career ethics officials4646as part of my nomination process and my ethics agreement that has4647previously been provided to this Committee sets out the nature of my4648relationship with my employer, the PWK Group, if I am confirmed. And,4649if I am confirmed, I will continue to seek the advice of the4650Department's career ethics officials on ethics issues.46514652    Question 8. In your ethics paperwork, you reserve the right to seek4653conflict-of-interest and personal financial interest waivers under4654current law. 5 C.F.R.  2635.502 and Title 18 Section 208. Will you4655pledge not to request or accept any ethics waivers?4656    Answer. I do not anticipate seeking a waiver as I am not aware of4657any ethical conflicts. As previously stated, if confirmed, I will seek4658the advice of the Department's career ethics officials and comply with4659all ethics laws.46604661    Question 9. As you committed in your nomination hearing, please4662provide the Committee with a copy of the purchase agreement of the sale4663of your consulting firm, PWK Group, LLC.4664    Answer. As part of my nomination process, I have worked with the4665Department's career ethics officials to provide this committee with my4666financial disclosures and ethics agreement. As I stated at my hearing,4667I pledge to continue to seek their advice to ensure compliance with4668Federal ethics laws if confirmed for this position.46694670    Question 10. When asked at your nomination hearing if you would4671abide by a federal law that prohibits unequal treatment of federally-4672recognized Tribes, including based on when or how they were federally-4673recognized, you replied ``all federally recognized Tribes have a treaty4674obligation that the U.S. government has to respect and follow the law4675in terms of how those obligations have been recorded.''46764677        a. Are you aware that not all federally-recognized Tribes have4678        treaties with the U.S.?46794680        b. Please clarify your statement with respect to all federally-4681        recognized Tribes enumerated pursuant to the Federally4682        Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994.46834684        c. Will you commit to abiding by 25 U.S.C. 5123(f) and other4685        federal law, including caselaw, by ensuring all federally-4686        recognized Tribes are entitled to the same privileges and4687        immunities as one another, regardless of--46884689          i. how they were recognized;46904691          ii. whether or not they have a treaty;46924693          iii. which political party they support;46944695          iv. how the state they live in voted in previous elections;4696        or46974698          v. whether you interfaced with them in your former role at4699        the White House?47004701    Answer. There are over 500 federally recognized tribes, all with4702different identities, histories and needs, with whom the Department has4703a government-to-government relationship. Although I am not a legal4704scholar, I recognize that there is a complex historical and legal4705framework binding the United States to federally recognized tribes. As4706I stated at my hearing, if confirmed, I will always follow the law and4707will seek the counsel of the Department's attorneys to do so.47084709    Question 11. Do you support federal efforts to expand access to the4710ballot box for Native communities, and their ability to cast ballots by4711mail given the persistent lack of polling and registration4712opportunities on Tribal lands and remote villages?4713    Answer. I believe tribal citizens should have access to exercise4714their fundamental right to vote. If confirmed as Assistant Secretary4715for Indian Affairs, my role will be to oversee the Bureau of Indian4716Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education and Bureau of Trust Funds4717Administration. As the liaison between tribal nations and the federal4718government, I will work with this committee to ensure the federal4719government upholds its unique trust responsibilities to federally4720recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and individuals4721including on tribal sovereignty, self-determination and economic4722development. My decisionmaking will be informed by meaningful4723consultation with tribal governments, leaders, Alaska Natives and ANCs,4724and engagement with communities and stakeholders.47254726    Question 12. You state in your responses to the Committee4727questionnaire that ``education is the key to economic mobility and4728overhauling the bureaus and offices within Indian Affairs is a must to4729meet that goal.'' What efforts for agency reorganization will you put4730in place ``to meet that goal''?4731    Answer. President Trump is focused on ensuring that we have an4732efficient and effective workforce. If confirmed, I look forward to4733taking a hard look at the Indian Affairs workforce to ensure that we4734are able to fulfill our mission while supporting the President and4735Secretary's priorities.47364737    Question 13. Do you plan to involve DOGE in decision-making at4738Interior?4739    Answer. If confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, I4740will have decisionmaking authority for issues related to Indian Country4741in accordance with the policies of the Secretary and the President.47424743    Question 14. You state in your responses to Committee questionnaire4744that, ``if a government program is no longer needed. . .a final4745decision can be made on the termination after thoughtful consultation4746[with Tribes].''47474748        a. Will you commit to holding meaningful Tribal consultation4749        prior to terminating, defunding, or cutting programs at4750        Interior, or demanding other agencies do the same before4751        terminating programs that have a Tribal or Native Hawaiian4752        nexus?47534754        b. What processes and procedures do you consider to be included4755        in ``meaningful consultation''?47564757        c. How does the federal trust responsibility impact a program4758        termination decision?47594760        d. Will the consultation with Tribes be aligned with the Trump4761        Administration priorities?47624763        And, or, with Indian Country's needs?47644765    Answer. Consultation is a foundational aspect of our Nation-to-4766Nation relationship with tribes, and if confirmed, I will make sure4767that we welcome tribes to the federal decisionmaking table and ensure4768federal officials with decision-making authority, like me, are active4769participants. I believe meaningful consultation includes the principles4770of participation, listening, understanding, and subsequently ensuring4771that substantial consideration is given to feedback from tribes, with4772the end goal being to carefully consider and balance interests and4773strive for consensus wherever and whenever possible.47744775    Question 15. What are the roles of the private sector and states in4776executing the federal trust responsibility?4777    Answer. The federal government has the primary obligation to4778execute the federal trust responsibility. States have limited direct4779roles and jurisdiction in Indian Country, but there are certain federal4780statutes that allow some limited state intervention. Similarly, the4781private sector does not have a direct role but can be a partner in4782assisting the Federal government in fulfilling its trust responsibility4783by supporting partnerships that promote economic development. These4784private sector investments can help sustain tribes economically and4785promote tribal self-determination.47864787    Question 16. Part of the role of Assistant Secretary for Indian4788Affairs is to be a liaison and an advocate for Tribes, both within4789Interior and in other agencies of the executive branch. Traditionally,4790the Assistant Secretary also coordinates with leadership within4791Interior on advancing federal Native Hawaiian relations. As4792reorganization efforts, budget cuts, and layoffs affect Native programs4793across the federal government, what will you do to advocate for Native4794communities to protect crucial programs that are part of the trust4795responsibility in other agencies?4796    Answer. Building and maintaining strong relationships with native4797communities and ensuring they have the vital public safety, social and4798infrastructure services that the Department is charged with providing4799through our trust responsibilities will be a top priority of mine, if4800confirmed. As I stated at my hearing, I believe there are number of4801protocols and processes we need to look at closely and that there is4802room for improvement. I commit to working collaboratively to ensure4803resources and services are provided in an effective and efficient4804manner.48054806    Question 17. In its budget request, the DOJ proposes to move the4807Office of Tribal Justice (OTJ) under the Office of Justice Programs,4808the primary function of which is grantmaking. The Tribal Law and Order4809Act requires the OTJ to be a component, not a sub-component, of the4810Department of Justice. Do you agree with subordinating OTJ, which BIA4811law enforcement partners with, within the DOJ?4812    Answer. As I am not a part of the Administration, I am not familiar4813with the budget request for the Department of Justice.48144815    Question 18. List every entity that paid you or PWK Group, LLC more4816than $5,000 since January 2020 and identify all DOI matters from which4817you will recuse yourself from if confirmed.4818    Answer. I have worked with the Department's career ethics officials4819as part of my nomination process and to provide this committee with my4820financial disclosures and ethics agreement. I will continue to seek4821their advice to ensure compliance with Federal ethics laws, including4822recusals, if confirmed for this position.48234824    Question 19. Detail how continued ownership of Amazon, Apple, and4825Microsoft stock complies with 18 U.S.C.  208, and enumerate the Indian4826Affairs issues you will recuse yourself from.4827    Answer. I have worked with the Department's career ethics officials4828as part of my nomination process and to provide this committee with my4829financial disclosures and ethics agreement. I will continue to seek4830their advice to ensure compliance with Federal ethics laws, including4831recusals, if confirmed for this position.48324833    Question 20. Your ethics agreement acknowledges the 30 U.S.C.48341211(f) ban on coalholdings. List every energy-sector asset you and4835your immediate family currently hold and the divestiture timeline for4836each.4837    Answer. I have worked with the Department's career ethics officials4838as part of my nomination process and to provide this committee with my4839financial disclosures and ethics agreement. I will continue to seek4840their advice to ensure compliance with Federal ethics laws, including4841recusals, if confirmed for this position.48424843    Question 21. Describe how prior consulting for BGR Group, Pace-O-4844Matic, and other current clients will not compromise your impartiality4845on Indian gaming issues and National Indian Gaming Commission4846decisions.4847    Answer. I hold myself to the highest ethical standards. I have4848worked with the Department's career ethics officials as part of my4849nomination process and to provide this committee with my financial4850disclosures and ethics agreement. I will continue to seek their advice4851to ensure compliance with Federal ethics laws, including recusals, if4852confirmed for this position.48534854    Question 22. If requested by the President, OMB, or the Secretary,4855will you identify and suggest funding for rescissions in BIA, BIE, and4856BTFA?48574858        a. If so, will you consult with Indian Tribes prior to making4859        such recommendations?48604861        b. Do you believe you have an obligation to inform this4862        Committee or the Appropriations Committee of such4863        recommendations?48644865    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with the Secretary4866and the Administration to identify ways we can work with our tribal and4867state and local partners to honor our trust responsibilities and4868improve effective delivery of vital services. Broadly, I intend to4869promote education reform and economic and resource development on4870tribal lands but ultimately believe that priorities need to be made4871through meaningful consultation with Native communities, tribes and4872Congress. As I stated at my hearing, I intend to spend my first 90 days4873listening to tribal leaders and the Congressional committees of4874jurisdiction to understand top priorities, build consensus and develop4875a clear action plan.48764877    Question 23. Produce all contracts, scope-of-work documents, and4878lobbying activities executed for Wayne Halfway House or its FOCUS PAC4879and explain how you will avoid any appearance of a conflict in4880overseeing DOI juvenile justice grants.4881    Answer. I have worked with the Department's career ethics officials4882as part of my nomination process and to provide this committee with my4883financial disclosures and ethics agreement. I will continue to seek4884their advice to ensure compliance with federal ethics laws, including4885recusals, if confirmed for this position.48864887    Question 24. Explain, in detail, how you will remain below the4888$35,000 annual outside-income cap for PAS officials.4889    Answer. I have worked with the Department's career ethics officials4890as part of my nomination process and to provide this committee with my4891financial disclosures and ethics agreement. I will continue to seek4892their advice to ensure compliance with federal ethics laws, including4893recusals, if confirmed for this position.48944895    Question 25. You have run political PACs and corporate accounts4896that move seven-figure sums. Please explain how you will ensure4897Interior's Indian-Affairs appropriations are obligated strictly for4898their statutory purpose and not parked, repurposed, or withheld in4899violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act.4900    Answer. I am not at the Department and not aware of the specific4901concerns you have. As I stated at my hearing, if I am confirmed, I will4902follow the law to ensure that funding provided by Congress is4903prioritized to best meet our mission and the President's priorities.49044905    Question 26. Describe the standard operating procedure you will4906issue to guarantee Government Accountability Office examiners have4907necessary, real-time access to Indian Affairs data, personnel, and4908correspondence.4909    Answer. As I stated at my hearing, transparency is of the utmost4910importance. I believe the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs should4911be readily accessible to all stakeholders. If confirmed, I look forward4912to being briefed on the procedures for responding to inquiries from the4913Government Accountability Office.49144915    Question 27. The Government Accountability Office recently reported4916that Indian Affairs' chronic vacancy rates and skills gaps are4917undermining program delivery. If confirmed, what hard targets will you4918set for filling mission-critical roles at BIA, BIE, and BTFA, and will4919you commit to updating this Committee in a timely matter about4920workforce-related issues at these bureaus?4921    Answer. I am not at the Department and not aware of the details of4922the issue you have raised, but if I am confirmed I look forward to4923being briefed on this issue and continuing the dialogue with you and4924your colleagues to ensure bureaus under my purview deliver mission4925critical outcomes for Indian Country to meet our trust responsibilities4926in a manner that is responsive, respectful and rooted in partnership.49274928    Question 28. The President's budget request for fiscal year 20264929cuts key BIA and BIE programs while simultaneously cutting funds for4930BIA and BIE from other agencies, such as the Department of Justice and4931Department of Education. Will you commit, if confirmed, to coordinate4932with other agencies to ensure future funding decisions are not made in4933isolation?4934    Answer. As I am not currently in the Department, I cannot speak to4935the specific process of creating the budget, and I have no knowledge to4936assert the current budget was drafted in isolation. However, I intend4937to work collaboratively with all stakeholders within and outside the4938government to best serve Indian Country.49394940    Question 29. Do you stand by your clients' actions--namely Donald4941Trump, Kelly Loeffler, Burt Jones, and David Perdue--in Georgia to4942decertify a free and fair election?4943    Answer. I support the President, and if confirmed, look forward to4944advancing this Administration's priorities to bring meaningful4945opportunities to Indian Country, uphold meaningful government-to-4946government relationships with federally recognized tribes, Alaska4947Natives and ANCs. This includes enacting policies that support self-4948determination and tribal sovereignty, and stewarding trust assets while4949maintaining the federal trust responsibilities that aim to support the4950social, cultural and economic self-sufficiency of tribal communities.49514952    Question 30. Have you been interviewed or subpoenaed by any legal4953bodies or investigative committees related to the 2020 election?4954    Answer. No.49554956    Question 31. Did you ever coordinate messaging or strategy with4957attorneys like Kenneth Chesebro, Ray Smith, John Eastman, Rudy4958Guiliani, or any of the other 19 people indicted around the attempts to4959change Georgia's election results?4960    Answer. I do not recall any conversations with Kenneth Chesebro,4961Ray Smith, John Eastman, or Rudy Guiliani regarding Georgia's 20204962election results. In my role as a consultant to the 2020 Presidential4963Campaign I interacted with many campaign staff and volunteers but4964always followed the laws and regulations as to campaigns and elections.4965As stated before, I was never asked to be interviewed or subpoenaed by4966any legal bodies or investigative committees related to the 20204967election.49684969    Question 32. Did you retain private counsel due to the4970investigations into election fraud in Georgia?4971    Answer. No.49724973    Question 33. Do you accept the outcome of the 2020 election,4974particularly in Georgia?4975    Answer. I accept that Joe Biden was sworn into office as the 46th4976President of the United States.49774978    Question 34. Have you ever supported or participated in efforts to4979cast doubt on the legitimacy of U.S. election results?4980    Answer. I have always followed all campaign and election laws.49814982    Question 35. Were any of your clients involved in setting up the4983call with President Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad4984Raffensperger in which President Trump asked the Secretary of State to4985find him over 11,000 votes so he would win Georgia?4986    Answer. As stated in my testimony I have no first-hand knowledge of4987that call, and I was not involved in setting it up.49884989    Question 36. What was your involvement in liaising between the4990Georgia Secretary of State's office and the President and/or his4991campaign in 2020?4992    Answer. I was a Senior Advisor to the Presidential Campaign as it4993related to Georgia political strategy and, therefore, I had4994conversations with relevant stakeholders and elected officials in4995Georgia in the run up to the 2020 election. I interacted with the4996Secretary of State's office as I did with other elected officials in4997Georgia.49984999    Question 37. In October 2022, you appeared on the GOPAC Podcast5000titled, ``Political Operative and White House Alum, Billy Kirkland.''5001The recording is no longer publicly available. Please provide a5002recording or written transcript of this episode.5003    Answer. I do not have access to a recording or written transcript5004of this episode.50055006    Question 38. In your questionnaire, you list Connect South and5007Potomac South under your Business Relationships (Question A11).50085009        a. The questionnaire requires you to disclose all positions5010        held, but you did not list your positions with either of these5011        entities. Please list your titles at Connect South and Potomac5012        South and indicate whether these are former or current5013        positions.50145015        b. If confirmed, will you or any of your family members5016        continue any business relationships or retain financial5017        interests with Potomac South after the sale of PWK Group, LLC?50185019    Answer. If confirmed, I will abide by the terms of my ethics5020agreement previously provided to this committee.50215022    Question 39. Confirm if each the following contributions were made5023by you, which were reported by the Federal Elections Commissions data5024and other State Campaign Finance Systems, but were not reported on your5025ethics or questionnaire paperwork.50265027   2/19/2020 Johnson for Georgians, Inc.: $50050285029   8/5/2012 Committee to Elect BJ Mathis Chairman: $500 in-kind5030        contribution50315032   8/18/2012 Committee to Elect BJ Mathis Chairman: $50050335034   2/20/2020 Trump Victory: $3,00050355036   3/11/2020 Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.: $1,15050375038   3/11/2020 Trump Victory: $1,15050395040   5/12/2020 Trump Victory: $1,00050415042   8/9/2021 Burt Jones for Georgia: $1,00050435044   12/21/2021 Burt Jones for Georgia: $2,58850455046   1/9/2022 Burt Jones for Georgia: $1,291.3250475048   2/28/2022 Georgia Republican Party, Inc.: $1,00050495050   8/29/2023 Georgia Republican Party, Inc.: $5,00050515052   1/2/2024 Georgia Republican Party, Inc.: $1,00050535054   9/10/2024 Trump 47 Committee, Inc.: $5,00050555056   8/28/2023 Brandon Beach: $1,00050575058   5/10/2022 David Clark: $479.7050595060   3/9/2022 Timothy Fleming: $50050615062    Answer. As a political consultant, I have worked with and5063contributed to a number of political campaigns, as I shared on my5064committee questionnaire. In addition to 19 contributions identified5065within the 10-year timeframe and $500 threshold on my questionnaire,5066including to Tim Fleming and Brandon Beach, I can confirm that either5067my company or I made the contributions you listed except for the5068contribution to Johnson for Georgians, which was not made in 2020 (it5069was made in 2010), and the contribution to Trump 47 Committee, Inc. I5070note that some of the contributions you listed were made outside the5071questionnaire's 10-year and $500 threshold.50725073    Question 40. In your responses to Committee questionnaire, you5074state that you worked on a number of political campaigns, ``as5075identified in this questionnaire, and to the Georgia Republican Party,5076Inc., the Republican National Committee, Never Surrender, Inc.5077(Formally Donald J. Trump for President 2024, Inc.).'' Your5078questionnaire answer lists your work for seven political campaigns but5079omits several others. Please confirm if you worked for each of the5080following political campaigns and specify your role, which were5081reported by the Federal Elections Commissions data and other State5082Campaign Finance Systems (but were not listed in your questionnaire5083paperwork):50845085   Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. (2020, 2016)50865087   Georgians for Kelly Loeffler50885089   Perdue for Senate50905091   Marcio Rubio for Senate50925093   Kasich for America Inc.50945095   Faith & Freedom Coalition50965097   Virginia House Republican Caucus50985099   Georgia Republican Party Inc.51005101   One Georgia PAC51025103   Great America Committee51045105   Keep America Great Again Action Fund51065107   Georgia Values Action51085109   Washington Deserves Better PAC51105111   Pruitt for House51125113   Brian Preston for Commission51145115   Dr. Karen Mathiak for State House51165117   The Committee to Elect Matt Ramsey51185119    Answer. Again, as a political consultant, I have provided a range5120of services to a number of political parties or election committees and5121confirm that I worked with each of these campaigns. In some instances,5122such as with One Georgia PAC and the Great America Committee, I had no5123official role but recall receiving a travel reimbursement. For others,5124my role was as limited as a three-week to a two-month project, such as5125for the Keep America Great Again Action Fund, the Georgia Values5126Action, or Kasich for America. Other such limited roles included5127helping organize one fundraising event, such as for Marco Rubio for5128Senator, or for helping build a website, such as for Dr. Karen Mathiak5129for State House. I was a consultant for Donald J. Trump for President,5130Inc., Georgians for Kelly Loeffler, and Washington Deserves Better PAC.5131I note that five of these political campaigns occurred outside of the5132committee questionnaire's 10-year timeframe, and others, including5133Perdue for Senate and the Georgia Republican Party, were provided on my5134committee questionnaire.51355136    Question 41. Your response to question 4 in Section C--Potential5137Conflicts of Interest in the Committee questionnaire noted your5138previous efforts in the White House to advocate for legislation that5139supported the administration's priorities.51405141        a. Please clarify if, during the past 10 years, you have been5142        engaged for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing5143        any legislation and the execution of law or public policy at5144        the state level.51455146        b. Please clarify if any of your consulting or private work5147        over the past 10 years has involved directly or indirectly5148        influencing the passage, defeat, or modification of any5149        legislation or execution of law or public policy, either at the5150        state or federal level. If so, please describe the nature of5151        the services you provided for each client and identify the5152        legislation or policy implicated.51535154    Answer. As a political consultant, I have been engaged as a5155consultant with political parties and political campaigns, all of which5156are generally interested in influencing laws and public policy at the5157state or federal level. As I stated in my committee questionnaire, I5158have consulted with the Office of Government Ethics and the Department5159of the Interior's Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any5160potential conflicts of interest or appearances of conflicts of5161interest. If confirmed, any potential conflicts will be resolved in5162accordance with the terms of my ethics agreement that has been provided5163to this Committee.51645165    Question 42. Please provide your 2019 OGE termination report or5166other documentation to certify your last day of prior federal service.5167    Answer. Upon further review of my records, I can confirm my last5168day of federal service was October 15, 2019.51695170    Question 43. You pledged in your 2017 ethics filing to make PWK5171Group ``inactive,'' yet campaign reports show you were paid while you5172were on the White House payroll between 2017 and 2019.51735174        a. Did you clear this compensation with ethics while you were5175        at the White House?51765177        b. Please provide documentation that you made PWK Group5178        officially inactive pursuant to your 2017 ethics pledge.51795180    Answer. I hold myself to the highest ethical standards. I am not5181aware of any actions that have not been in accordance with federal law.5182I will work with the Department's ethics career officials to ensure5183compliance with federal law if confirmed for this position.51845185    Question 44. Please confirm your employment at the following5186entities, your position with these entities, and the years you worked5187there (missing from responses to Committee questionnaire):51885189   Parkside Management51905191   Five Points51925193    Answer. I am not familiar with Parkside Management. In 2008, I5194served as a consultant for Five Points Consulting, as indicated in my5195response to question 11 on my committee questionnaire.51965197    Question 45. On your questionnaire, you noted that you attended5198Eagle's Landing High School from 1996-1996 and graduated from ``College5199Preparatory'' in May 1998.52005201        a. Did you transfer to College Preparatory during your high5202        school years, and if so, when?52035204        b. Is College Preparatory the official name of the high school?5205        Where is it located (city, state)?52065207    Answer. I listed in my questionnaire that I attended Eagles Landing5208High School from 1996-1998 and graduated with a College Preparatory5209Diploma in May of 1998.52105211    Question 46. Explain the ``strategic partnerships'' you arranged5212for Wayne Halfway House while it fought oversight legislation for its5213youth treatment centers in Tennessee and financed the FOCUS PAC.52145215        a. Did your work include political activity or donor targeting?52165217        b. What assurances does this committee have that you can5218        impartially oversee BIA public safety and justice facilities5219        with this record?52205221    Answer. As I stated in my questionnaire, I have consulted with the5222Office of Government Ethics and the Department of the Interior's5223Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any potential conflicts5224of interest or appearances of conflicts of interest. If confirmed, any5225potential conflicts will be resolved in accordance with the terms of my5226Ethics Agreements that has been provided to this committee.52275228    Question 47. In your questionnaire response, you state that you5229will ``aim to ensure that regulations issued by Indian Affairs comply5230with the spirit of the laws passed by Congress.''52315232        a. Please clarify what you mean that you will aim to follow the5233        spirit of the law.52345235        b. Will you commit to following the letter of the law as5236        Congress wrote it?52375238    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to following the law to ensure the5239important work carried out by the bureaus under my purview as Assistant5240Secretary for Indian Affairs is carried out efficiently and5241effectively.52425243    *Questions and answers to 48-60 were redacted due to personal5244information not released to the public.*52455246    Question 61. At the nomination hearing, you testified that you5247would work with the attorneys at the Department of the Interior to5248ensure compliance with rules and laws of ethics. Please clarify, will5249you, personally, pledge not to seek or accept any ethics waivers?5250    Answer. As I stated at my hearing, I pledge to work with the5251Department's career ethics staff to make sure my actions as Assistant5252Secretary for Indian Affairs are in compliance with ethics laws if I am5253confirmed.52545255    Question 62. At the nomination hearing, you stated that neither you5256nor your family will retain a financial stake in ``the firm'' following5257sale. Please clarify, will either your or any of your family members5258retain a financial stake in, or be employed by, Potomac South?5259    Answer. The details of future engagement with Potomac South LLC, if5260I am confirmed, are set out in my ethics agreement that has previously5261been provided to the committee.52625263    Question 63. Will you cut ties with Potomac South, including5264decision-making powers or leadership roles, if confirmed?5265    Answer. If confirmed, I will abide by the terms of my ethics5266agreement previously provided to this committee.52675268    Question 64: You stated it is important that the ``Office of Indian5269Affairs'' prioritize how funding provided by Congress is allocated.52705271        a. Please clarify what you mean by ``prioritize'' funding5272        provided by Congress.52735274        b. If confirmed, will you follow the law directing how federal5275        appropriations must be spent?52765277    Answer. As I stated at my hearing, I believe it is important to5278prioritize funding provided by Congress. I believe government has a5279responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars to ensure those5280dollars are used effectively. If confirmed, I will follow the law to5281meet the needs of Indian Country.52825283    Question 65. In response to my question on your role in the Georgia5284Secretary of State's call with President Trump, you testified that you5285did not speak to the press and that you were not on the call, or in the5286room for that call. However, please clarify if you have personal5287knowledge of the call before or after it occurred.5288    Answer. I am aware that the call you reference occurred.52895290    Question 66. Do you believe the realignments of the Department of5291the Interior and other agencies uphold the trust responsibility and5292needs of Indian Country?5293    Answer. I am not at the Department and am not briefed on the5294realignments that you are referencing. If confirmed, I am committed to5295ensuring that the Department meets its federal trust responsibilities5296and addresses the needs of Indian Country.52975298    Question 67. What was your specific role in advancing Operation5299Lady Justice during the first Trump Administration?5300    Answer. I was proud to be a part of the first Trump Administration,5301re-election campaign, and the 2024 campaign. During the lead up5302President Trump's issuance of the executive order establishing5303Operation Lady Justice, I worked with tribal leaders and the White5304House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs as they consulted with the5305Department of the Interior and other federal agencies and planned5306regional meetings and consultations. When the Executive Order was5307issued, I was no longer working at the White House, but because of my5308previous role, I was in contact with multiple tribes, tribal leaders5309and tribal representatives, and remained in contact with the White5310House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.53115312    Question 68. Are you currently employed by the Department of the5313Interior? If so, please provide your title, job description, and scope5314of your work in that role.5315    Answer. I am not currently employed by the Department of the5316Interior.53175318    Question 69. You provided a list of clients you work with under PWK5319Group. None of these clients are Tribes. What is your experience5320working with Tribes outside of your experience at the White House?5321    Answer. I have worked and collaborated with a number of tribes on a5322variety of policy and cultural issues. Whether economic development5323issues, working to preserve traditional languages, further highlighting5324MMIW to different DMAs via pro sports teams or working to highlight5325Native athletes, I have been proud to do so without any monetary cost5326to tribes.53275328    Question 70. In the President's Budget for FY 2026, a number of5329programs under the Bureau of Indian Affairs were terminated,5330reprogrammed, or otherwise modified. Will you support the continuation5331of such changes when you are the AS-IA during the FY 2027, FY 2028, and5332FY 2029 budget formulation process? If not, please share your thoughts5333about any changes you may want to reverse.53345335        a. What role will Tribal consultation play in your thinking or5336        actions?53375338        b. What is your role to advocate for Indian Country in the5339        budget formulation process?53405341        c. Several members of this Committee are also members of the5342        Appropriations Committee, do you agree with Director Vought5343        that the appropriations process needs to be less bipartisan? If5344        so why?53455346        d. What is Director Vought's role in policy making for Indian5347        Country related to your own role, if you are confirmed?53485349        e. Do you believe that funding is related to policy?53505351        f. Do you believe the programs under your authority as ASIA, if5352        confirmed, should receive additional funding, support, or5353        consideration? If not, why?53545355        g. What legal effect does the Presidents Budget Request have on5356        the Department of the Interior's actions?53575358        h. What steps can be made between the submission of the5359        President's Budget and the Congressionally passed5360        Appropriations budget?53615362    Answer. As I am not an employee of the Department, I am not5363familiar with the details of the President's budget proposal. I also5364cannot speak to Director Vought's views on the appropriations process.5365However, in terms of my decision-making if confirmed, as I demonstrated5366during the previous Trump Administration, collaboration and meaningful5367consultation with tribal leaders will be a top priority. I look forward5368to being briefed on the funding needs of the programs I would oversee5369as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs and to meeting the needs of5370Indian Country with the funds appropriated by Congress.53715372    Question 71. You worked to establish Opportunity Zones in Indian5373Country. How does this work impact NAHASDA or the Housing Improvement5374Program under BIA?53755376        a. How have you advocated for Indian housing programs under5377        HUD, BIA, and USDA?53785379    Answer. I share Secretary's Burgum's focus on the pressing need to5380secure affordable housing across the country, including in tribal5381communities. As part of the Trump Administration, I was privileged to5382help encourage Opportunity Zones in Indian Country, which can support5383housing development to address this important issue.53845385    Question 72. If confirmed, will you support programs supporting5386Native American language education?53875388        a. For students at the early childhood and preschool level?53895390        b. For students at the elementary level and secondary?53915392        c. For students in higher education?53935394        d. For adult learners?53955396    Answer. If confirmed, I will support Native American language5397programs for learners of all ages. I've seen firsthand how important5398language is to identity and belonging, especially in Native5399communities. As I shared in my testimony, I never became fluent in my5400language and that's something I have carried with me. It's one reason I5401strongly believe in maintaining or expanding access to Native language5402education.54035404    Question 73. DOI and BIA has played a vital role in illuminating5405the federal Indian Boarding School policies and their impacts on Native5406communities, including intergenerational trauma and devastating impacts5407to Native American languages Do you support efforts to address the5408legacy of the Indian Boarding School policies? If not, why not?54095410        a. If confirmed, how will you continue to support previous5411        Department efforts?54125413    Answer. The Department has undertaken important work to document5414and better understand the history and impacts of federal Indian5415boarding school policies. If confirmed, I will continue to engage on5416these efforts and ensure alignment with broader Departmental5417priorities. I recognize the importance of maintaining open dialogue5418with tribal nations and stakeholders as this work continues.54195420    Question 74. Do you think the Department of Education's English-5421first policies could be a foundation for eliminating federal support to5422Native American languages funded by the same department?5423    Answer. The preservation and revitalization of Native languages is5424important to many tribal communities. If confirmed, I will listen5425closely to tribal leaders and educators as well as work with my5426colleagues at the Department of Education to better understand how5427current policies impact Native language programs and where continued5428support is most needed.54295430    Question 75. What role do you believe continuing federal support in5431the perpetuation of language in your own life with the Navajo Nation?5432Do you support increased federal support for Native language5433revitalization and preservation efforts?5434    Answer. As I stated above, I've seen firsthand how important5435language is to identity and belonging, especially in Native5436communities. And I shared in my testimony that I never became fluent in5437my language and that's something I've carried with me. It's one reason5438I strongly believe in maintaining or expanding access to Native5439language education. When people are given the chance to reconnect with5440their language, it builds confidence, strengthens community ties, and5441gives people a more profound sense of who they are. If confirmed, I5442look forward to supporting Native language programs.54435444    Question 76. Does the federal government have a responsibility to5445reverse the impacts of Federal Indian Boarding School policies on5446Native American families, Native American languages, and Native5447American cultures?5448    Answer. I believe the federal government has a role in working5449respectfully with tribes to understand the continuing impact of the5450federal Indian boarding school policies on Native communities and5451support locally driven solutions. If confirmed, I will approach this5452work with humility and a commitment to supporting programs that reflect5453the priorities and voices of Native people.54545455    Question 77. Do you believe that self-determination is best served5456to empower Native nations to prioritize the needs of their people? Even5457when those needs do not align with the Administration's priorities,5458such as developing renewable energy?5459    Answer. As I stated in my testimony, I understand that part of the5460mission of Indian Affairs is to enact policies that support self5461determination and tribal sovereignty. If confirmed, I will work to5462ensure this obligation is carried out on behalf of tribes. I believe5463tribal governments, leaders and ANCs are best positioned to identify5464and implement the solutions their communities need including economic5465and energy development.54665467    Question 78. What do you think are the most important statutory5468laws that govern the U.S.--Tribal trust relationship?5469    Answer. As I have previously noted, I am not a legal scholar.5470However, I do not believe that there are ``important'' vs ``non-5471important'' federal laws, particularly as they relate to Indian Country5472and our federal trust responsibility. If I am confirmed, I will ensure5473that the Department implements it mission in accordance with all5474federal laws and treaties.54755476    Question 79. What is your position on supporting self determination5477by means of 638 contract authorities?54785479        a. Will you advocate for more programs to be eligible for 6385480        contracts, if you are confirmed?54815482        b. What role will you play in educating officials from other5483        departments about the value of 638 contracting authority, if5484        you are confirmed?54855486        c. Do you support the current levels of 638 contracts and5487        compacts, as well as Contract Support Costs?54885489          i. Should current levels be increased, remain level, or5490        reduced? If so, why?54915492    Answer. I support tribal self determination, and 638 contracts5493reflect the government-to-government relationship between tribes and5494the federal government. If confirmed, I will learn more about the5495programs currently eligible for 638 contracts and will advocate within5496the Department and with other federal partners to advance tribal5497selfdetermination. I am not at the Department and am not familiar with5498the current levels of funding for 638 contracts. If confirmed, I will5499work with tribes, the Department and Congress to advance the5500Administration's priorities for Indian Country.55015502    Question 80. As a member of the Navajo Nation, you made many visits5503to your home, what other Reservations or Tribal lands have you visited,5504as appointee in Trump's first term, as a Tribal member, as a business5505person, or as a political campaign manager?5506    Answer. It has been a privilege and an honor to visit and5507experience many reservations and tribal lands across the country other5508than my own. During my time in the White House, I was proud to engage5509and work closely with leaders of multiple tribes on a range of issues.5510I am proud of the accomplishments of the first Trump Administration5511and, I look forward to visiting more native communities and working5512with tribes to build upon those accomplishments, if confirmed.55135514    Question 81. Do you believe the trust responsibility requires full5515funding of Indian Water Settlements enacted into law?55165517        a. What role do you think AS-IA should play in advocating for5518        annual funding in future negotiations?55195520        b. What is understanding of your role as a member of the5521        Department of the Interior's Working Group on Indian Water5522        Rights Settlement, if confirmed?55235524    Answer. While I am not at the Department, I understand that the5525Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs is a member of the Working Group5526that makes recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior on Indian5527water rights settlements and settlement policy. If confirmed, I would5528look forward to being briefed on this important subject and to working5529with my colleagues in the Department and the Administration to5530determine appropriate funding levels.55315532    Question 82. What will your role be in interacting with Indian5533Water Rights Settlement parties and stakeholders?55345535        a. Do you believe the federal trust responsibility requires you5536        to support additional water settlements and advocate for5537        funding already enacted settlements?55385539    Answer. I understand that negotiated Indian water settlements can5540resolve lengthy, contentious litigation among tribes and surrounding5541communities, provide certainty to water users and support tribal5542sovereignty and self-determination. If confirmed, I would work to5543ensure federal responsibilities provided in enacted water rights5544settlements are met so that tribes have access to clean, reliable water5545supplies.55465547    Question 83. Do you believe that Tribes have the right to co-manage5548public lands?5549    Answer. While I have not been briefed on the legal framework5550governing public lands management, as I stated at my hearing, I believe5551collaboration and meaningful consultation with tribal leaders must be a5552top priority in fulfilling the mission of the office for which I have5553been nominated. If confirmed, my decisionmaking would be rooted in this5554principle. Question 84: Please explain your understanding of Tribal co-5555management authorities and Tribes' ability to establish land5556management, conservation, and development rules on their lands.5557Response: I am not at the Department and have not been briefed on the5558authorities you reference. If confirmed, I look forward to learning5559more including tribal and stakeholder perspectives and continuing this5560dialogue.55615562    Question 85. Do you believe that traditional ecological knowledge5563(TEK) is science-based, or supported by science?55645565        a. Native communities have land stewardship frameworks that5566        have sustained them for millennia. Do you believe that5567        knowledge acquired through observation of the same land for5568        thousands of years should be impacted by a partisan or5569        political ideology with regard to federal lands, with regard to5570        climate change, conservation, other land management practices?55715572    Answer. I know and respect that Native communities have observed,5573interacted and stewarded the areas in which they live since time5574immemorial and have passed their knowledge down through generations.55755576    Question 86. What is your view with regard to current land into5577trust Part 151 regulations? a. How do these regulations relate to your5578questionnaire response stating that the land into trust process should5579be streamlined?5580    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to being briefed on the law5581and existing policies governing land into trust to identify ways to5582improve the efficiency of this process to benefit tribes' economic and5583social development goals.55845585    Question 87. What are your views on taking land into trust as means5586of rebuilding Tribal homelands?55875588        a. What is the ASIA's responsibility as a fiduciary to lands5589        taken into trust and those resources?55905591    Answer. I understand taking land into trust for the benefit of5592tribal governments and individual Indians is a process that helps5593restore tribal homelands, strengthen tribal sovereignty, and promote5594economic opportunities for tribal communities. If confirmed, I will5595listen to tribal leaders to better understand their views on this5596important matter.55975598    Question 88. Given your support and the work you testified to raise5599awareness of Navajo Code Talkers, are you aware that under the Trump5600Administration, the Department of Defense removed information about the5601role Navajo Code Talkers played in the history of our country?56025603        a. What would you do as AS-IA to voice your concerns for the5604        Navajo Nation and other Tribes that may face the same treatment5605        or historic erasure?56065607        b. Do you believe such records should remain publicly5608        accessible as a matter of policy?56095610        c. Do you believe such information plays an educational role5611        that is in the public good?56125613        d. Do you believe such information honors the disproportionate5614        rates of military service of Native Americans in active duty5615        now or in prior U.S. conflict?56165617    Answer. I cannot speak to the actions of the Department of Defense,5618but I know this Administration recognizes Navajo Native Talkers as5619heroes for their dedicated service, as do I.56205621    Question 89. At your nomination hearing, Senator Cortez Masto5622mentioned that the Not Invisible Act Commission report was taken down5623from the DOJ website, a report of concern to DOI and BIA. In response,5624you committed to maintaining transparency if confirmed. As AS-IA how5625will you work to prevent actions like this in the future to maintain5626transparency?Answer. If confirmed as Assistant Secretary, as I stated5627at my hearing, I will look forward to working with this Committee, and5628to working in partnership with tribes, tribal leaders, and Alaska5629Native Corporations, to respond directly to concerns raised and to5630provide feedback and accountability. This will help build trust and5631ensure more effective delivery of services and programs.56325633    Question 90. Your responsibilities as AS-IA, if confirmed, would be5634to work with and for 574 federally recognized Tribes. Do you believe it5635will be your role as AS-IA to have a greater or lesser responsibility5636to Tribal governments, based on membership levels, based on land5637holdings, based on treaties, or other federally defined metrics?5638    Answer. As I have stated, I recognize that Indian Country is not a5639homogeneous community--each tribe is distinct with its own identity,5640history and needs. If confirmed, my goal will be to honor the diversity5641of Indian Country by ensuring our policies are responsive, respectful,5642and rooted in partnership and meet our federal trust responsibilities.56435644    Question 91. If confirmed, how will you work with the National Park5645Service to ensure federally funded institutions and all federal5646agencies comply with the Native American Graves Protection and5647Repatriation Act?5648    Answer. If confirmed, I will work within the Department and with5649tribes to ensure that tribes may reclaim their ancestral remains and5650sacred objects as provided by law, including the Native American Graves5651Protection and Repatriation Act.56525653    Question 92. If confirmed, will you advocate for increased funding5654for Tribal Historic Preservation Officers?5655    Answer. I support the preservation of tribal history, traditions5656and sacred sites, and if confirmed look forward to working with tribes5657and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers to ensure that they have the5658resources needed to do so.56595660    Question 93. If confirmed, will you commit to working with5661Secretary Burgum to clarify that his recent letter stating solar and5662wind energy projects must receive his personal sign-off does not apply5663to projects on Tribal lands?5664    Answer. I am not familiar with the letter that you are referring5665to, but certainly commit, if I am confirmed, to working with Secretary5666Burgum and with tribes on energy projects to implement the President's5667energy agenda.56685669    Question 94. On October 26, 2020, an article in the Arizona Daily5670Independent appeared under your name. In the article, you wrote the5671following: ``Simply put, President Trump has been a Godsend to the5672faith community.''56735674        a. Please elaborate what you mean by ``Godsend'' in reference5675        to President Trump, and which ``faith community'' you are5676        referring to when you made that statement.56775678        b. If confirmed, will you respect the Establishment Clause in5679        the U.S. Constitution in all duties related to your position?56805681    Answer. The article speaks for itself. I stand behind the article5682and President Trump's support for religious freedom. If confirmed, I5683commit to continue adhering to all provisions of the U.S. Constitution.56845685    Question 95. In your nomination hearing, you commented that the5686US  is facing a ``crippling national debt.''56875688        a. Do you believe that actions to address the national debt5689        should include cuts to Indian Affairs programs, or programs5690        that support Native communities? If yes, why?56915692        b. Do budgetary cuts proposed through the President's budget5693        request meet the federal government's trust responsibility? If5694        yes, why?56955696        c. Does adding more than $4 trillion to the national debt5697        following enactment of the President's One Big Beautiful Bill5698        Act help to tackle our nation's ``crippling national debt''? If5699        yes, why?57005701        d. Do budgetary cuts proposed through the President's first5702        rescissions package meet the federal government's trust5703        responsibility? If yes, why?57045705    Answer. I support the President's goal of reducing the size the5706federal government while increasing its accountability to the American5707people. I am not at the Department, so I cannot speak to the specific5708impacts of any particular legislation on the bureaus and offices that I5709will lead if confirmed as Assistant Secretary. However, I will work5710with the President and Secretary Burgum to ensure that we have5711appropriate resources to meet our trust responsibilities for Indian5712Country if I am confirmed.57135714    Question 96. In your written testimony, you stated the following:5715``If confirmed, I intend to spend my first 90 days listening to Tribal5716leaders and the Congressional Committees of jurisdiction to understand5717top priorities and develop a clear action plan.''57185719        a. Which Tribal leaders do you intend to work with, and will5720        there be equal representation from Democratic and Republican5721        states?57225723        b. How soon into your first 90 days do you intend to meet with5724        them? Would you meet personally with Tribes? Would you plan to5725        visit Tribal lands during this period? Would you propose a5726        majority of your outreach to Indian country occur through5727        virtual meetings online?57285729        c. How would you measure your success at the end of the first5730        90 days? What would a successful first 90 days look like to5731        you?57325733    Answer. Indian Country is not a homogenous community--each tribe is5734distinct with its own identity, history and needs. If I am confirmed, I5735will have an open-door policy for tribal leaders and members of5736Congress to engage on issues of concern. With active listening, I will5737be able to utilize this input to better understand the needs of Indian5738Country and to prioritize actions of the Office of the Assistant5739Secretary, if I am confirmed.5740                                 ______57415742   Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to5743                       William ``Billy'' Kirkland5744Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act5745    Question 1. One of the biggest threats to Indian Country is the5746fentanyl crisis. American Indian and Alaska Natives had the highest5747opioid overdose rates of any ethnic group in the four consecutive years5748between 2020 and 2023. Just this week, the DEA in partnership with the5749Yakama Nation announced charges against thirteen individuals for5750trafficking fentanyl and other illicit drugs on the Yakama Nation5751Reservation. In February, the Yakama Nation was selected for an5752Operation Overdrive investigation. Over the 120-day operation, DEA5753worked closely with BIA, Yakama Nation and Wapato Police Department to5754seize over 7,000 pounds of marijuana, 300 pounds of meth, 25 pounds of5755cocaine, 7 pounds of fentanyl powder, and over 4,700 fentanyl laced5756pills. According to the Special Agent in Charge, the fentanyl powder5757and pills alone could have yielded 250,000 lethal doses, enough to kill5758every member of the Yakama Nation more than eight times over. The5759operation also yielded incredible success in reducing overdose deaths.5760In January, the Yakama community experienced 19 overdose deaths,5761February 14 deaths, March 12 deaths and by June of this year, two5762deaths. The DEA Special Agent in charge said that this operation was5763one of the most successful because DEA was able to closely partner with5764the Tribe and BIA. The Yakama Nation Police Department found a way to5765dedicate one full-time member of their staff as a DEA Task Force5766Officer.5767    The Operation Overdrive investigative work between DEA and the5768Tribe demonstrates how we can be successful in interdicting illicit5769drugs in tribal communities if we have enough resources. Unfortunately,5770we have heard from Tribal communities around the country that they do5771not have enough law enforcement personnel to respond to calls and5772dedicate resources to long-term efforts like Operation Overdrive. To5773meet FBI Community Safety Standards, at least 13,000 more Tribal law5774enforcement officers are needed nationally.5775    That is why Senator Mullin and I will be reintroducing the Parity5776for Tribal Law Enforcement Act next week. This legislation will help5777tribes recruit and retain law enforcement officers by allowing them to5778offer Federal benefits that are currently available to local, state,5779and Federal law enforcement.57805781   If confirmed, do you commit to working with Senator Mullin5782        and myself to get this bill signed into law?57835784    Answer. I recognize that recruiting and retaining tribal law5785enforcement officers is important to meet our goals for public safety5786in Indian Country. As I stated at the hearing, if I am confirmed, I5787look forward to continuing to learn more about this legislation and5788working with you and Senator Mullin on it and on shared priorities.57895790BIA Public Safety Funding5791    Question 2. Currently, tribal public safety funded at just under 135792percent of the total need. The President's FY 2026 budget proposes5793additional cuts to BIA public safety and justice programs. This is5794funding that is used to support essential public safety, such more5795Tribal police officers and support staff, and for Tribes to have the5796ability to successfully partner on and pursue operations that protect5797their communities.57985799   Yes or no, do you believe funding for Tribal public safety5800        programs should be cut?58015802    Answer. I believe that it is critical that we collaborate closely5803with tribal leaders to prioritize those needs that they identify as5804most important, particularly when addressing law enforcement and5805protecting our tribal communities. If I am confirmed, I commit to5806working with you and tribes to meet our trust responsibilities and5807protect native communities.58085809BIA Public Safety Funding5810    Question 3. If confirmed, do you commit to advocating for increased5811funding for BIA Tribal public safety programs?58125813BIA Public Safety Funding5814    Question 4. How will you fight back against the Administration's5815and OMB's efforts to short-change public safety in Indian Country?58165817    Answer to questions 3 and 4. BIA tribal public safety programs play5818an important role in supporting and protecting tribal communities. If5819confirmed, I will strongly advocate for ensuring that these programs5820receive appropriate resources to meet our federal trust5821responsibilities.58225823BIA Release of Tribal Hatchery Funding5824    Question 5. Salmon are woven into the economy and the cultural5825identity of Tribes throughout the Pacific Northwest. Protecting and5826restoring salmon and steelhead populations is crucial in meeting the5827cultural, subsistence, and economic needs of Washington tribes. This is5828a pillar of upholding our trust and treaty obligations to them as5829solidified under the Boldt decision 51 years ago. When Congress passed5830the Inflation Reduction Act, it included $240 million in hatchery5831funding for tribes that I personally worked to secure. Twenty-seven5832tribes were deemed eligible to receive $2 million in funding for5833necessary hatchery improvements. Many of the eligible tribes have not5834received their funding after repeated attempts to work with the BIA and5835the Administration. It is critical that the funding is released as soon5836as possible because the fish construction window is closing.5837    My understanding is that the hatchery funding is stuck at the BIA5838and awaiting approval for disbursement.58395840   If confirmed, will you commit to releasing the funds as soon5841        as possible to the Tribes?58425843    Answer. As I noted at my hearing, if I am confirmed, I will look5844closely at the processes and protocols of the Bureau of Indian Affairs'5845grant administration to identify the bottlenecks and figure out how to5846make the system work more efficiently. We need to work together to make5847sure that approved funds are delivered efficiently.58485849Tribal Timber5850    Question 6. One of President Trump's priorities is to increase5851domestic timber harvesting and reduce our dependence on Canadian5852lumber. The Yakama Nation in south central Washington state owns5853650,000 acres of timber, the largest forestry stand of any Indian5854reservation in the United States. They would very much like to support5855the President's goal of increasing domestic production. They also own5856one of the last remaining sawmills in the region that employs nearly5857200 people. There are two actions by the Bureau of Indian Affairs that5858are obstructing the Tribe's ability to harvest timber. One is that even5859prior to DOGE's cutbacks there were about 30 FTEs assigned to the BIA5860Yakama Agency in the area of natural resources that were vacant. The5861money is there for the positions but the BIA can't seem to fill them.5862As a result, the BIA was having a very difficult time overseeing timber5863sales which then dropped profoundly. Then to make matters worse, and in5864an action completely contrary to the President's goal of increased5865domestic timber harvesting, DOGE proposed to RIF even more Yakama5866Agency BIA employees and to eliminate the vacant FTE positions. Mr.5867Kirkland, if we could fill those positions the Yakama Nation will 6385868contract the entire forestry program, including timber sales, and can5869readily double or triple the millions of board feet of timber coming5870off their lands, creating jobs and spurring on the local economy both5871on and off the reservation.58725873   Can you commit to working with the Tribe and making the5874        funds associated with the FTEs available to them so that taking5875        over the entire forestry program and increasing timber harvest5876        becomes a viable option for them?58775878    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about this5879issue and working with the Yakama Nation as they seek to increase the5880domestic production of timber.58815882Trust and Treaty Obligations5883    Question 7. Throughout this year, I have heard from tribes5884throughout Washington state who are deeply concerned about federal5885commitments to fund vital tribal programs and projects. This includes5886investments in infrastructure, health care delivery, and investments in5887habitat and salmon survivability that are essential to meeting our5888trust responsibility to Washington tribes. There is also uncertainty5889around whether this Administration will continue to respect the legal5890and political status of Tribal nations. We need to deliver the5891investments we have promised to Indian Country. We need to get back on5892track on improving tribal consultation policies and promoting the5893rights and needs of Tribes.58945895   If confirmed, do you commit to upholding your Trust and5896        Treaty responsibilities to our native communities and defend5897        those responsibilities, even if it conflicts with the5898        President's policies or actions?58995900    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to advocating for and ensuring that5901we meet the federal government's trust and treaty obligations to our5902native communities.59035904Trust and Treaty Obligations5905    Question 8. Government-to-Government consultation with tribes is5906how the United States upholds its Trust and Treaty obligations.59075908   How do you plan to ensure the Department of Interior, and5909        all federal agencies, thoroughly consult with Tribal nations?59105911    Answer. If confirmed, I will work closely with the Administration5912and other federal agencies to emphasize our federal trust5913responsibilities and the steps to be taken when engaging in5914consultation with tribal nations. I will also work with tribal leaders5915to ensure that the outcome works for both the tribes and the agencies.59165917Trust and Treaty Obligations5918    Question 9. If confirmed, how will you ensure the Department5919thoroughly and consistently consults with Tribes, maintains effective5920government-to-government relationships, and promotes sovereignty and5921self-determination?5922    Answer. As I stated at my hearing, effective communication, both5923within the Department and with Indian Country, is critical to ensure5924that we are meeting our federal trust responsibilities. Collaboration5925and meaningful consultation with tribal leaders will be a top priority5926if I am confirmed as Assistant Secretary.5927                                 ______59285929     Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tina Smith to5930                       William ``Billy'' Kirkland5931    Question 1. Did you personally delete any social media accounts,5932posts, podcasts, or other content in anticipation of or after your5933nomination? Did you ask anyone else to do so on your behalf?5934    Answer. In January I deactivated Facebook and X accounts. I have5935not asked for posts or podcasts to be deleted.5936    Question 2. What was the exact date of the termination of your5937political appointment that began July 2018?5938    Answer. Upon further review of my records, I can confirm my last5939day of federal service was October 15, 2019.59405941    Question 3. Did you accept new clients, either as an individual5942consultant or through PWK, LLC, during your previous political5943appointment?5944    Answer. No.59455946    Question 4. Do you commit to adequately staffing BIA headquarters5947and regional offices to meet the agency's trust and treaty obligations5948to Tribal Nations?5949    Answer. I commit to ensuring, if I am confirmed, that the Bureau of5950Indian Affairs has the appropriate staffing to meet our federal trust5951responsibilities.59525953    Question 5. Do you commit to protecting Tribes' treaty rights5954outside of their reservations, including and especially related to5955mineral exploration and extraction?5956    Answer. If I am confirmed, I will work closely with tribal leaders5957to ensure that we are meeting our federal trust responsibilities in5958accordance with law.59595960    Question 6. What exact role did you plan in the negotiations and5961implementation of the CARES Act?5962    Answer. I was proud to be a part of the first Trump Administration,5963re-election campaign, and the 2024 campaign. During the CARES Act5964negotiations and implementation, I was no longer working at the White5965House, but because of my previous role, I was in contact with multiple5966tribes, tribal leaders and tribal representatives in an unpaid capacity5967to help them think through the best course of action when it came to5968CARES Act funding for their tribes. I also remained in contact with the5969White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.59705971    Question 7. What do you see as BIA's responsibilities to states5972covered by P.L. 280?5973    Answer. I am not at the Department and not versed in the nuances of5974this statute, but if confirmed, would welcome the opportunity to learn5975more about it as it relates to the BIA.5976                                 ______59775978   Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ben Ray Lujan to5979                       William ``Billy'' Kirkland5980    Question 1. During our exchange, we discussed your involvement in5981the CARES Act and Tribal funding, which was added to the legislation5982after your time at the White House. Please clarify your role and what5983you did specifically to ensure funding for Tribes in the CARES Act.5984    Answer. I was proud to be a part of the first Trump Administration,5985re-election campaign, and the 2024 campaign. During the CARES Act5986negotiations and implementation, I was no longer working at the White5987House, but because of my previous role, I was in contact with multiple5988tribes, tribal leaders and tribal representatives in an unpaid capacity5989to help them think through the best course of action when it came to5990CARES Act funding for their tribes. I also remained in contact with the5991White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.59925993    Question 2. You say in your testimony that the Trump Administration5994was the first Administration to officially recognize the crisis of5995Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Please clarify this as I5996am aware of efforts going back to the Clinton Administration to5997recognize this crisis.5998    Answer. While advocacy groups and tribal leaders had raised5999awareness about the violence against Native women in previous6000administrations, President Trump was the first president to issue an6001Executive Order forming a Presidential Task Force on Missing and6002Murdered American Indian and Alaska Natives and to establish and fund a6003federal office, the Cold Case Task Force Office, dedicated to missing6004and murdered Indigenous people, particularly missing and murdered women6005and girls. In 2020, President Trump signed Savanna's Act and the Not6006Invisible Act, building on the momentum established by his Executive6007Order60086009    Question 3. Please outline your efforts and work with the6010Department of the Interior, the Department of Justice, or any other6011agencies with which you worked on the MMIW crisis during your time at6012the White House.6013    Answer. During the lead up to President Trump issuing an executive6014order establishing Operation Lady Justice, I worked with tribal leaders6015and tribal representatives and with the White House Office of6016Intergovernmental Affairs as they consulted with the Department of the6017Interior and other federal agencies and planned regional meetings and6018consultations on this critical issue.60196020    Question 4. According to DOJ, at the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025,6021FBI's Indian Country program had approximately 4,300 open6022investigations, including over 900 death investigations, 1,000 child6023abuse investigations, and more than 500 domestic violence and adult6024sexual abuse investigations. If you are confirmed, what is your plan to6025address this backlog of investigations in coordination with DOJ?6026    Answer. Violent crime and abuse suffered by Native American6027communities is a tragedy. If confirmed, I will quickly be brought up to6028speed on this longstanding issue. I will build upon my past experience6029and relationships I have established with tribal leaders and government6030officials to work closely with tribal governments, the Department and6031interagency partners including the Department of Justice to ensure6032Indian Country has the resources it needs to keep Native families safe.60336034    Question 5. How will you work with DOJ, HHS, and other agencies6035with public safety responsibilities, including preventing violence6036against women and families, to American Indians, Native Hawaiians, and6037Alaska Natives?6038    Answer. As I noted above, if confirmed, I will build upon my past6039experience and relationships I have established with tribal leaders and6040government officials to work closely with tribal governments, the6041Department and interagency partners including the Department of Justice6042to ensure Indian Country has the resources it needs to keep native6043families safe.60446045    Question 6. Please clarify yom working relationship with Ralph Reed6046and explain why you chose to work for an organization led by him after6047high profile allegations related to fraud and other wrongdoing were6048alleged against Reed.6049    Answer. The Faith & Freedom Coalition is committed to educating,6050equipping, and mobilizing voters of faith. It promotes lowering the tax6051burden on small businesses and families while promoting family values6052and requiring the government to spend responsibly. While at the Faith &6053Freedom Coalition, I served as the National Field Director. We worked6054to educate voters and encouraged them to vote. Ralph Reed served as the6055Chairman of the organization.60566057    Question 7. During our exchange, we discussed Indian Water Rights6058Settlements and the importance of living up to our Trust6059responsibility. We discussed the Navajo-Gallup Water Settlement, but6060you asked me to clarify the other number of settlements in New Mexico.6061Please see below for a list of the Indian Water Rights Settlements in6062New Mexico.60636064        A. If confinned, will you advocate for funding and completion6065        of the Navajo-Gallup Water Project and others?60666067        B. Will you advocate to make funding of water settlements6068        mandatory?60696070    Information on New Mexico's water rights settlements60716072    In total, New Mexico has seven recognized Indian (tribal/Pueblo)6073water rights settlements, as listed by the New Mexico Office of the6074State Engineer.60756076------------------------------------------------------------------------6077            Settlement Name                   Tribes/Pueblos Covered6078------------------------------------------------------------------------6079Aamodt Water Rights Settlement           Nambe, Pojoaque, Tesuque, San6080                                          Ildefonso6081Taos Pueblo Water Rights Settlement      Taos6082San Juan Basin/Navajo Nation Settlement  Navajo Nation6083Zuni Tribe Water Rights Settlement       Zuni Tribe6084Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Settlement       Ohkay Owingeh6085Rio San Jose Stream System Local         Acoma & Laguna Pueblos6086 Settlement6087Pueblos of Jemez & Zia Water Rights      Jemez & Zia6088 Settlement6089------------------------------------------------------------------------60906091    These seven represent the major formally negotiated and approved6092agreements in New Mexico. The first three (Aamodt, Taos, Navajo-San6093Juan) were resolved earlier, while the Zuni, Ohkay Owingeh (Rio Chama),6094Rio San Jose, and Jemez & Zia settlements are more recent-some pending6095or recently approved at the federal level.60966097    Answer. I understand that negotiated Indian water rights6098settlements can resolve lengthy, contentious litigation among tribes6099and surrounding communities, provide certainty to water users and6100support tribal sovereignty and self-determination. And I appreciate the6101information provided regarding the scope of Indian Water Rights6102Settlements in New Mexico. If confirmed, I would work to ensure federal6103responsibilities provided in enacted water rights settlements,6104including those in New Mexico, are met so that tribes have access to6105clean, reliable water supplies.61066107    Question 8. How will you advocate for ongoing and future Indian6108water rights settlements, if confirmed, in your role as a member of the6109DOI Working Group on Indian Water Rights Settlements?61106111        a. Will this advocacy include sufficient and statutory funding6112        for such settlements?61136114    Answer. While I am not at the Department, I understand that the6115Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs is a member of the Working Group6116which makes recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior on Indian6117water rights settlements and settlement policy. If confirmed, I would6118look forward to being briefed on this important subject and to working6119with my colleagues in the Department and the Administration to6120determine appropriate funding levels.