Senator McCain, Vice Chairman Udall, and Secretary Zinke expressed a desire to see improvement in the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-funded school system.

I will work with you to make sure the process is transparent, clear and at the end of the day, results in an end product that is where we all want to be.

How do you ensure that increases in fees will not negatively affect rural Americans?

From his days in the House of Representatives to the day he was nominated Secretary, Mr. Zinke has shown that tribal sovereignty is at the top of his list of priorities.

sovereignty needs to mean something.

If it helps Indian Nations and involves sovereignty and self-determination, you have my commitment.

Many reservations continue to struggle, as we are all aware.

To date, the process is unclear to me. I will get to the bottom of it.

I am an advocate for tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

It is rare as a Montanan we can get to our destination without having to make a connection.

We also have to have jobs so we can stay there, so we do not just become a playground for the rich and famous.

With Secretary Zinke now leading the Department of the Interior, we can truly say it is a new day for Indian Country.

The hiring freeze that has been proposed is going to be very detrimental not only to the Isleta Pueblo but to the other Pueblos.

As Interior Secretary, Mr. Zinke will fill a key role in the government-to-government relationship with Shakopee and every other tribal government.

Sovereignty should mean something.

I think you understand that, Secretary Zinke. I think you also understand the fact that without proactive leadership within the Department and a good head at the BIA, we are not going to get these problems solved.

Can I get your commitment that you will work hard to make that happen?

I am one who thinks it should be the Department, to be honest with you, because you will de-politicize it.