Tompkins is first Native American and second woman to hold post

Washington DC (June 18) – Late Wednesday evening, Hilary Tompkins was confirmed by voice vote to become the Solicitor for the Department of the Interior.  According to New Mexico Senator Jeff Bingaman’s office, Tompkins would the first Native American and second woman to hold that position. 
Tompkins is a member of the Navajo Nation. 

After being nominated by President Obama in March and approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee by a 20-3 vote in April, it took several attempts by Committee Chairman Bingaman to ask for a full floor vote to finish the confirmation process. 

Initially, Republican opposition had placed holds on her confirmation due to questions regarding upholding Interior policy and passed legislation on oil and gas leases and allowing concealed firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges. 

Those holds were eventually removed to allow for Wednesday’s vote.

Tompkins has been Chief Counsel and Deputy Counsel to New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson from 2003 - 2008.  Tompkins advised the Governor on such legal and policy issues as legislation, political appointments, executive orders, constitutional authority, civil litigation, statutory interpretation, and intergovernmental affairs. 

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