The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs holds a nomination hearing for William “Billy” Kirkland on July 17, 2025.

Kirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, has been nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, a political position within the Department of the Interior. If confirmed, he would oversee the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education and the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration.

Kirkland was introduced to the committee by Rep. Brian Jack (R-Georgia). The Republican lawmaker described the nominee as his “best friend.”

After being sworn in under oath, Kirkland read an opening statement to the committee. He then answered questions about his experience, his background and his plans as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.

The committee would have to advance Kirkland’s nomination at a business meeting before the nomination is sent to the full U.S. Senate for further consideration.

00:00 Opening Remarks – Sen Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
05:30 Introduction – Rep. Brian Jack (R-Georgia)
10:38 Swearing in of William “Billy” Kirkland
12:22 Statement of William “Billy” Kirkland
20:36 Q&A – Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)
34:23 Q&A – Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana)
41:20 Q&A – Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
49:22 Q&A – Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
52:32 Q&A – Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada)
59:40 Q&A – Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)
1:05:34 Q&A – Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington)
1:11:39 Q&A – Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)

(Rescheduled) Nomination Hearing to consider Mr. William Kirkland to be Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs within the Department of the Interior (July 17, 2025)