Nominee Kirkland Pressed during Hearing for Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs

07/18/2025

Washington, D.C. – On July 17, 2025, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a confirmation hearing for Mr. William “Billy” Kirkland (Navajo) to be the next Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs within the Department of the Interior. The Assistant Secretary is one of the most important political appointees within the Administration charged with fulfilling the United States treaty and trust obligations to Indian tribes. The Committee is expected to approve Mr. Kirkland’s nomination. His nomination would then be considered by the full Senate.

Mr. Kirkland served in the White House during President Trump’s first term as special assistant to the president. During his testimony, Mr. Kirkland highlighted his firsthand understanding of the infrastructure struggles and lack of economic opportunity in Indian Country. If confirmed, Mr. Kirkland committed to upholding the federal trust responsibility and working in partnership with tribal governments and leaders to address challenges in Indian Country.

Mr. Kirkland faced challenging questions from Democratic members of the Committee about the Trump Administration’s commitment to provide the funding and staffing needed for Indian Affairs programs and services. Chairman Lisa Murkowski echoed a collective frustration within the Committee about the need for increased funding and resources in Indian Country. The Chairman commented, “I think we’re frustrated because we know the need and we care about solving these problems, and we need to know your commitment to solving these problems with us. We’re counting on you.” Mr. Kirkland acknowledged this pervasive challenge, stating, “I think it is unfortunate that tribal nations have always been asked to do more with less.” He stated that he plans to spend his first 90 days listening to Tribal Leaders and Congressional Committees to understand top priorities and develop a clear action plan.

Mr. Kirkland’s written testimony can be read here and the full hearing can be viewed on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs’ website at: https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearings/nomination-hearing-to-consider-mr-william-kirkland-to-be-assistant-secretary-for-indian-affairs-within-the-department-of-the-interior/

Skenandore Wilson LLP is dedicated to the representation of Tribal Nations, Tribal entities, and individual Tribal members throughout Indian Country.  Our mission is to support and advance the sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-governance of our Tribal clients.  To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us at info@skenandorewilson.com or 608-608-1210.