I find myself, as the Department of the Interior, to be the champion of all things Indian, and I take that responsibility very seriously.

The Department's 2018 budget reflects the Administration's commitment to strengthen America's economic and energy security.

My policy has been any Member has a privilege of being a Member, so I have... offered to come quarterly and sit down with the Minority in a group and discuss the issues...

As a Secretary of the Interior, it is our Interior Department, it is not just one party's or another.

I think Congress should take the lead in recognition. I think it is the right body, constitutionally.

I am absolutely committed to work with the states in many ways.

I wish that the country was not as polarized as it is.

I don't favor oil and gas over coal, over wind, over nuclear. I am just all of the above.

What is it about Bears Ears that has brought your gaze to it?

It is a mistake to think that the Indian tribes are monolithic. Every tribe has a different story, different cultural backgrounds, and different expectations and we are working through that.

I would like, personally, to work with you to have a steady stream, and give the states more flexibility, and use those monies with more flexibility to provide greater public access and use.

But my job, the way I see it, is to have, and we have a wonderful USGS, we have a lot of capability there.