Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today said he is glad the Senate moved quickly to approve the nomination of Kevin Washburn to be the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs for the Department of Indian Affairs.  Washburn, who was nominated by President Obama for the position last month, has been the Dean of The University of New Mexico School of Law.

“In Kevin Washburn, President Obama has found the right person to fill the position of Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.  The Senate’s quick approval of his nomination demonstrates the broad support he has in Washington and around the country,” Bingaman said.  “Kevin understands the pressing needs of Indian Country, and he brings the experience and enthusiasm needed to meet those challenges.  I congratulate Kevin on his new position and stand ready to help him in any way I can.” 

Washburn is a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma.  He earned a B.A. from the University of Oklahoma and a J.D. from Yale Law School.