Kevin Washburn is one step closer to becoming the next leader of the
Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Washburn, a member of the
Chickasaw Nation, went before the
Senate Indian Affairs
Committee last Friday for his confirmation hearing as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.
He earned praise for his work on law enforcement, gaming, sovereignty and other issues affecting Indian Country.
“The Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing on the nomination last week and we received written responses to all of our questions,” said Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), the chairman of the committee. “I appreciated meeting Kevin and feel he has excellent academic credentials and professional experience for this important position, I am confident that, if confirmed by the full Senate, he will work with determination and humility to enhance self-determination, promote self-governance, and help improve the future for all of the indigenous peoples of our Nation."
The committee moved quickly on Washburn's nomination, approving it at a business meeting yesterday. All that's required now is action by the full
Senate.
“American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians are diverse -- with unique histories, cultures, government structures, languages and traditions," Akaka said. "I believe Kevin understands the weight of the responsibility he would carry as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs in fulfilling the United States’ trust responsibility. I urge my Senate colleagues to join me and confirm Kevin Washburn promptly. I look forward to working closely with him for the remainder of the 112th Congress.”
Audio from last week's hearing appears below:
Get the Story:
Indian Affairs nominee from Oklahoma wins backing from Senate panel
(McClatchy Newspapers 9/20)
Hearing on Kevin Washburn to lead BIA held Friday
(The Char-Koosta News 9/20)
Committee Notice:
The
President's Nomination of Kevin K. Washburn to be Assistant Secretary-Indian
Affairs, Department of the Interior (September 14, 2012)
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: Confirm Kevin Washburn as BIA's
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Editorial:
Kevin Washburn a worthy pick for Assistant Secretary (8/9)
NCAI endorses Kevin Washburn as Assistant Secretary
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Northwest tribes back Kevin
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NAIHC congratulates Kevin Washburn for BIA job
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Tricky timing for
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