<\/p>\r\nKirkland, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, has been nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs<\/a>, a political position within the Department of the Interior<\/a>. If confirmed, he would oversee the Bureau of Indian Affairs<\/a>, the Bureau of Indian Education<\/a> and the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration<\/a>.\r\n <\/p>\r\nKirkland was introduced to the committee by Rep. Brian Jack<\/a> (R-Georgia). The Republican lawmaker described the nominee as his “best friend.”\r\n <\/p>\r\nAfter being sworn in under oath, Kirkland read an opening statement<\/a> to the committee. He then answered questions about his experience, his background and his plans as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.\r\n <\/p>\r\nThe committee would have to advance Kirkland’s nomination at a business meeting before the nomination is sent to the full U.S. Senate<\/a> for further consideration.\r\n <\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n
\r\n05:30<\/a> Introduction – Rep. Brian Jack (R-Georgia)
\r\n10:38<\/a> Swearing in of William “Billy” Kirkland
\r\n12:22<\/a> Statement of William “Billy” Kirkland
\r\n20:36<\/a> Q&A – Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)
\r\n34:23<\/a> Q&A – Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana)
\r\n41:20<\/a> Q&A – Sen. Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-New Mexico)
\r\n49:22<\/a> Q&A – Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
\r\n52:32<\/a> Q&A – Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada)
\r\n59:40<\/a> Q&A – Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)
\r\n1:05:34<\/a> Q&A – Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington)
\r\n1:11:39<\/a> Q&A – Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)\r\n
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