WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) met with Dean of the University of New Mexico School of Law Kevin K. Washburn on his nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs in the U.S. Department of the Interior. Washburn will testify Friday on his nomination before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

"Dean Washburn has a strong history of working with tribes across the country, and I have heard a lot of support from Native American communities in New Mexico for his nomination. Tribes look to the Assistant Secretary to provide help in the many areas where they interact with the federal government, and I believe he will make sure that his office takes the lead in fulfilling that trust responsibility. Dean Washburn shows great enthusiasm and drive, and I am pleased the Senate Indian Affairs Committee is moving forward with his nomination."

Udall is a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and will attend the hearing. The Committee will webcast the hearing live on its website.

Nomination Hearing on the President's Nomination of Kevin K. Washburn to be Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior
Date: Friday, September 14, 2012
Hearing Start Time: 2:30 PM EDT
Location: Room 682, Dirksen Senate Office Building