WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, today announced that the Senate has unanimously approved the nomination of Tara Mac Lean Sweeney, of Alaska, to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior.
“The Senate’s confirmation of Ms. Sweeney is an important step to help ensure Indian Country has a strong leader and advocate at the Interior Department,” said Hoeven. “Ms. Sweeney will be a powerful voice for Indian nations as she supports Secretary Zinke in upholding tribal sovereignty, promoting Native American self-determination and carrying out the federal government’s trust responsibility to Indian tribes and Indians.”
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs develops Interior Department policy on Indian affairs related issues and administers programs for Indian education, public safety, economic development, energy development, and federal recognition of tribes. Ms. Sweeney will oversee the agencies that carry out these functions, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education.
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