Sen. Murkowski acting as vice chair of SCIA

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) is acting vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota), the chairman, announced today.

Murkowski takes over from the late Sen. Craig Thomas (R-Wyomiing), who died on June 4 after a battle with leukemia. "I have to admit I feel a little awkward sitting in this spot," Murkowski said. "This was Craig's chair."

At today's hearing on law enforcement, Dorgan and other members of the panel paid tribute to Thomas. 'This committee has lost someone who was dedicated to working on these difficult and challenging issues," Dorgan said.

Relevant Links:
Senate Indian Affairs Committee - http://indian.senate.gov

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