"The nomination of Kevin Washburn, dean of The University of New Mexico School of Law, to be assistant secretary of Indian Affairs in the Obama administration hands the Senate a rare opportunity. The chance to get something done. After all, the gridlocked Senate has been part of one of the more unproductive congresses in U.S. history.

With the announcement earlier this month that Washburn had been nominated by President Barack Obama, the Senate has the chance to move quickly and approve Washburn’s nomination in September. Otherwise, Indian Country will remain without someone to lobby for their pressing needs and concerns. In this election year, a confirmation delayed in September means a confirmation that won’t take place until next spring, at the earliest. Once confirmed, Washburn would be in charge of supervising the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education. He brings to the job extensive experience as a former U.S. attorney in Albuquerque, distinguished academic credentials and a sterling record as dean of the UNM School of Law."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Senate should confirm Washburn (The Santa Fe New Mexican 8/14)

Relevant Documents:
White House Announcement | Letter to Law School | UNM Press Release | DOI Press Release | Sen. Bingaman | Sen. Tom Udall

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Editorial: Kevin Washburn a worthy pick for Assistant Secretary (8/9)
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Northwest tribes back Kevin Washburn in BIA leadership post (8/6)
NAIHC congratulates Kevin Washburn for BIA job nomination (8/6)
Tricky timing for Senate confirmation of Kevin Washburn at BIA (8/3)
Praise for Kevin Washburn as Bureau of Indian Affairs nominee (8/3)
Kevin Washburn, Chickasaw, nominated as Assistant Secretary (8/2)