Indian Affairs Committee Approves Artman Again

by Brad Jolly, Partner
Feb 3, 2007

On Thursday, after its confirmation hearing of Carl Artman for the position of Assistant Secretary Indian Affairs, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs once again approved the Bush Administration's nomination of Mr. Artman. During the hearing, Artman was questioned about non-gaming economic development opportunities for Indian tribes. He responded that he believed energy development could provide economic development opportunities for tribes. He was also questioned about his stance regarding off-reservation gaming, but "punted" the question by informing the Committee that the current Secretary of Interior plans on issuing a letter that will express the Secretary's concerns about the issue.

Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Chairman of the Committee, stated that he hoped the full Senate would confirm Artman by the end of next week.