Senate Confirms William “Billy” Kirkland as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs

10/03/2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed William “Billy” Kirkland as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.  The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs assists the Secretary of the Interior in fulfilling the Department of the Interior’s trust responsibilities to Indian Tribes.  The Assistant Secretary is also entrusted with strengthening the vital government-to-government relationship and overseeing the laws and regulations that affect both Tribes and their individual members.

Mr. Kirkland’s confirmation hearing on July 17, 2025, featured a series of pointed questions from Democratic members of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs regarding the current Administration’s commitment to provide funding and staffing for Indian Country programs.  Mr. Kirkland acknowledged this, stating, “I think it is unfortunate that tribal nations have always been asked to do more with less.”  During the hearing, Kirkland affirmed his commitment to fulfilling the federal trust responsibility and collaborating with Tribal governments and leaders to tackle key issues in Indian Country.  He also pledged that his initial 90 days in office would be dedicated to listening and learning from Tribal leaders and Congressional Committees to develop a clear action plan.

Mr. Kirkland’s written testimony can be read here and the full nomination hearing can be viewed on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs’ website here.

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.