Swimmer says role in trust reform not conflicted

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2003

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee will meet this morning to consider the nomination of Ross Swimmer as Special Trustee at the Department of Interior.

Last week's 10-3 vote failed to advance due to procedural objections. Some Senate Democrats oppose Swimmer, including Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), who doesn't sit on the Indian panel.

Swimmer, who headed the Bureau of Indian Affairs during the last three years of the Reagan administration, told the Associated Press he doesn't see a conflict in his current role in implementing trust reform with his would-be future rule in overseeing it. Interior officials, their attorneys and tribal leaders criticized his predecessor, Tom Slonaker, for trying to do both.

Today's meeting starts at 10 a.m. A video feed is available at http://indian.senate.gov.

Get the Story:
Daschle opposing Swimmer nomination (AP 3/5)

Relevant Documents:
Written Witness Testimony (2/12)

Relevant Links:
Office of Special Trustee - http://www.ost.doi.gov
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Norton - http://www.indiantrust.com

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