Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez praised the confirmation of Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-Mont) as Interior Secretary. Zinke was sworn in Wednesday by Vice President Mike Pence.
The Senate confirmed Zinke by a vote of 68-31.
“During his time in Congress, Ryan Zinke served as a trusted ally of tribal governments and helped advance critical tribal legislative priorities. He demonstrated a deep respect for our sovereignty and fought to ensure that tribal cultures were respected and honored,” said President Begaye.
“Congressman Zinke is an excellent choice to serve as Secretary of the Interior, and I am confident that he will help the Navajo people ensuring that our voices are heard in Washington. I look forward to working with him to address the important issues and challenges facing our Nation,” he continued.
Vice President Jonathan Nez congratulated Congressman Ryan Zinke on his appointment.
“The Begaye-Nez administration welcomes the opportunity to work with Secretary Zinke to foster quality of life improvements for the Navajo people and all of Indian Country,” he said. “It is our hope that his experience as a Navy SEAL will strengthen relations between the Navajo Nation and the federal government.”
Vice President Nez lauded the participation of Native Americans, Navajos in particular, for serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Zinke graduated from Officer Candidate School and attended SEAL training. He was first assigned to SEAL Team ONE in Coronado, CA, then was later selected for SEAL Team SIX where he was a Team Leader, Ground Force Commander, Task Force Commander and Current Operations Officer in support of National Command Authority missions.