Thomas Daschle: “as we work through the Executive Calendar in the closing hours of the first session of the 105th Congress, I want to…”

“as we work through the Executive Calendar in the closing hours of the first session of the 105th Congress, I want to call my colleagues' attention to the President's nominee to be Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, Kevin Gover of Albuquerque, New Mexico. This appointment is important to my state and my constituents. Approximately 70,000 Native Americans live on nine reservations in South Dakota. Their daily lives are greatly affected by the activities of the BIA. The appointment is also important to the nation as a whole. Anyone familiar with American history or who believes in the American dream of equal opportunity for all has a stake in federal Indian policy. The Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs play a critical role in setting the agenda for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and has a great impact on the success or failure of federal Indian policy. He or she must understand the history of federal/Indian relations and have a vision for the future of this relationship. The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs must not only be accessible to tribal leaders, but also serve as an effective advocate for Indian people within the Executive branch decision-making circles. Finally, the Assistant Secretary must be a manager of the agency as well as a spokesperson for Administration policy. Kevin Gover is a strong nominee to lead the Bureau of Indian Affairs.”