WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA), voted to advance the nomination of Mr. Bryan Newland to be the next Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior.
“When Mr. Newland appeared before this Committee for his nomination hearing last month, we started a good dialogue with him about the importance of this job, the impact an Assistant Secretary has on the lives of all Native peoples, and the unique laws that must be navigated particularly in Alaska,” said Vice Chairman Murkowski. “He made clear to me that he is committed to his ongoing education of Alaska and the unique structure of Indian law we have through ANCSA, with Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations working together to serve all Alaska Natives. And importantly he committed to conducting meaningful consultation, early and in a robust way, with all Tribes and Native Organizations including Alaska Native Corporations. Based on the totality of the record, I believe Mr. Newland to be well-qualified for this position, and I will be supporting his nomination.”
Mr. Newland’s nomination was passed by SCIA via voice vote and will now proceed to the Senate floor for further consideration.
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