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JANUARY 26, 2001

After facing nearly a month of criticism without saying a word, Secretary of Interior nominee testified before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources last week and assured her Democratic doubters she'd do her best to protect America's vast public lands despite past positions they considered questionable.

With the exception of two, Democrats say her testimony and written responses to their questions helped sway a vote in her favor. At the same time, some, like ranking Democrat Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico and freshman Maria Cantwell of Washington, have remained critical of her record. Bingaman said her actions will eventually "speak louder that anything she has said."

So what exactly did Norton say? Will she follow through? Following are excerpts of her testimony last week before the Committee.

ON INDIAN COUNTRY:
"The top priority that I want to mention to you today concerns the special responsibilities of the secretary of the interior with regard to American Indians. I think we should all recognize that the situation in Indian Country is not as it should be. There is much that I believe we can do in partnership with our nation's proud Native American tribes to improve conditions and provide a more hopeful future." (Opening Statement. January 18)

ON TRIBAL SCHOOLS:
President-elect Bush has said many times that he will leave no child behind. To accomplish that requires that we improve the schools that serve more than 50,000 Native American children. . . Recognizing the historic relationship of the federal government and Native American tribal governments, I will work very hard to achieve real results for every Indian child." (Opening Statement. January 18)

ON TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY:
"As to states' rights and tribal sovereignty, those are complex legal questions. It boils down, I think, to the idea that decisions of government are often best made when made closest to the people who are affected by those decisions. And what is true for states is true for tribes. Self-government is very important and I support that as a concept." (Response to Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.). January 19)

ON TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY, PART 2:
"I have a great deal of respect for our tribes [in Colorado] and I have that same level of respect for the other tribes of America. My philosophy overall is that decisions are best made when made they are made closest to the people and the people who are most impacted by those are involved in the decision making. That carries to the tribe themselves -- that self-government is something that is very important. It is very appropriate for them to be able to make decisions on issues that impact them." (Response to Maria Cantwell (D-Wash). January 19)

ON TRUST LAND FOR TRIBES:
"I have not taken a position on the issue of placing land into trust and I know that is a significant issue and that there are a number of decisions about that pending in the Department that I have not had the opportunity to study any of those. For the most part, I think that is a decision that needs to be made on a case-by-case basis." (Response to Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.). January 19)

More of Norton in Review: Page 2