CAMPBELL HAILS NOMINATION OF SWIMMER TO LEAD OFFICE OF SPECIAL TRUSTEE
Washington, D.C. – Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) today hailed
Friday's announcement that Ross Swimmer, currently Director of the Office of
Indian Trust Transition, would be nominated by the President to be Special
Trustee - American Indians.
"I've known Ross Swimmer a long time and am pleased the President has
nominated someone to be Special Trustee with the depth of experience Ross
has in tribal government, the private sector and the Federal government",
said Campbell, the lone American Indian in the Senate. If confirmed by the
Senate, Swimmer will direct the Office of Special Trustee for American
Indians (OSTAI), an office created by Congress in 1994 to lead efforts
to provide account balances to Indian account holders and reform the trust
management system within the Department of Interior.
"In my years in the House and the Senate, I don't think I have seen an issue
that cries out for resolution as does Indian trust reform and I believe that
in the next two years we have what may be a unique opportunity to bring this
sad chapter in American history to a fair and just end. Because of his vast
experience, Ross Swimmer may be uniquely situated to help achieve this goal",
remarked Campbell, the incoming Chairman of the Committee on Indian
Affairs.
Swimmer is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, a lawyer, a banker and
has enjoyed stints as the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Co-chairman
of President Reagan's Commission on Reservation Economies, and Assistant
Secretary - Indian Affairs in the Reagan Administration.
"I am confident that after the Committee considers the President's nomination
Ross Swimmer will be approved by the Indian Affairs Committee and confirmed
by the Senate", said Campbell. Swimmer's nomination will be referred to the
Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. A date for his nomination hearing has yet
to be scheduled.
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CONTACT: Paul Moorehead 202-224-2251
January 7, 2003