Politics

Sen. Akaka takes up gavel of Senate Indian Affairs Committee

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) officially took up the chairmanship of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Wednesday.

Akaka is the first Native Hawaiian to serve in the post. He will be joined by Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) as vice chairman during the 112th Congress.

As the new chairman, Akaka named a new staff director. Loretta Tuell, a member of the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho, is a prominent Indian law attorney who has worked for the committee in the past.

“Loretta brings to the committee a wealth of knowledge and experience in Indian law,” Akaka said in a press release. “She is very familiar with issues facing Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives. I am looking forward to working with her to find solutions that will improve the lives and strengthen the futures of America’s native people.”

Get the Story:
Press Release: AKAKA ANNOUNCES NEW STAFF DIRECTOR OF INDIAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (SCIA 2/16)

Committee Notice:
BUSINESS MEETING to organize for the 112th Congress by electing the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Committee and to adopt the rules of the Committee and any other organizational business the Committee needs to consider (February 16, 2011)