Senator Lisa Murkowski - vice chairman of the Indian Affairs committee | Official U.S. Senate Headshot
Senator Lisa Murkowski - vice chairman of the Indian Affairs committee | Official U.S. Senate Headshot
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, representing Hawaii and chairing the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, facilitated the committee's approval of two bills and a nomination during a recent business meeting.
The committee also voted on President Biden's nomination of Patrice H. Kunesh for the role of Chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission, resulting in a 7-4 vote in favor. Kunesh, with heritage linked to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, was nominated by President Biden on July 23, 2024. She is presently serving as Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
If confirmed, Kunesh will lead efforts to enhance Tribal economic development and self-determination while maintaining integrity in the Indian gaming sector. Her previous roles include Director at the Center for Indian Country Development at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
"Ms. Kunesh has held regulatory positions across the federal government," stated Chairman Schatz. "She is a dedicated public servant who works hard on behalf of Indian Tribes and Native Communities, and I’m confident that she will do that in this new role, if confirmed."
A video recording of the meeting is accessible online.
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