The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a confirmation hearing this afternoon for Hilary Tompkins as Solicitor of the Interior Department.

Tompkins is a member of the Navajo Nation. If confirmed, she would be the first Native woman and the first Native American to serve as the top legal official at Interior.

Sen. Tom Udall (D-New Mexico) introduced Tompkins, who lives in New Mexico. He hailed her experience in Indian law and her background in federal government as a former federal prosecutor [AUDIO].

Tompkins hailed her tribal experience in her statement to the committee. She did not address any specific controversies, such as land-into-trust or the Cobell v. Salazar lawsuit [AUDIO].

None of the committee members asked Tompkins about Indian issues either. She was one of five nominees that were considered.

Committee Notice:
Full Committee Hearing: to consider pending nominations (April 23, 2009)

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