During the course of the nearly thirty years I have worked in the field of federal Indian policy, I had the opportunity to come to know Mo Udall and to work with him and his staff on a number of issues relating to federal Indian policy, including governance, health care, children and families, land and natural resource issues, water rights settlements and the regulation and protection of environmental quality on Indian lands. One did not have to be around Mr. Udall very long or very often before it became obvious that he was a man of uncommon vision, ability and wisdom. I am humbled by the opportunity to help others carry out even a small portion of the legacy he left our nation in the areas of Indian law and policy and the environment.
As the Members of the Committee know, the Udall Foundation has been charged by the Congress with numerous duties, including: awarding college scholarships, fellowships and internships to further public goals in the environmental and Indian policy arenas; conduct research and assist in policy development; and, serve as the federal mediator in environmental disputes. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded hundreds of scholarships to college students planning careers in environment or Native American health care; developed and implemented a successful internship program to provide opportunities for Indian and Native American students to work in the Congress and the Executive Branch; promoted new directions in environmental research and education; and, the Foundation has begun the work necessary to become an effective mediator of environmental disputes through the recently authorized U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution.
I am hopeful that my experience working here in the Senate on the staff of the Committee on Indian Affairs and the staff of Senator McCain, along with my experience working for and representing tribal governments before the Congress, the Executive Branch and in their relationships with state and local governments will permit me to bring to the Board of Trustees a perspective which is helpful as the Board guides the efforts of the Foundation to meet the mandates set forth by the Congress. I welcome the opportunity to assist the Board with the challenges the Foundation faces as it continues to build on its record of accomplishment.
I want to thank Senator Smith, the Members of the Committee and the staff for your prompt consideration of this nomination. I will be pleased to answer any questions you may have or to assist you in any way you deem appropriate as you conduct your deliberations.