Senate Committee advances Kirkland nomination for Indian Affairs post
WINDOW ROCK
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has advanced William “Billy” Kirkland’s nomination to serve as assistant secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior, moving it to the full Senate for a final vote.
The committee approved the nomination by a 7-4 vote. Supporters cited his political connections and endorsements from tribes, while opponents questioned his qualifications compared with past nominees.
Voting in support were Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). Opposing were Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).
Supporters also pointed to the 48 letters from tribes and Native organizations endorsing the nomination, with no letters of opposition submitted to the committee.
Kirkland, Diné who is Bįįh Bitoodnii, was nominated by President Trump on Feb. 3, 2025, following the resignation of Bryan Newland. On that day, the Senate referred the nomination to the Committee on Indian Affairs. The committee held its hearing on July 17, where Kirkland gave testimony and answered lawmakers’ questions. On Sept. 10, the committee voted to report the nomination favorably. That same day it was placed on the Senate executive calendar (Calendar No. 367), where it now awaits consideration by the full Senate.
To read the full article, please see the Sept. 18, 2025, edition of the Navajo Times.
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