Senators press Kirkland on ethics waivers, sale of consulting firm

WASHINGTON — Ethics and potential financial conflicts were a focal point during William H. "Billy" Kirkland’s Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing. Under questioning, Kirkland said he would "work with the office of ethics" at the Department of the Interior and with career staff to remain "ethically compliant in all ways." He also told the committee he planned to divest or otherwise resolve business interests before taking office if confirmed. Senators asked Kirkland twice whether he would pledge not to request any ethics waivers; Kirkland responded that he would work with the department’s ethics office and career staff to ensure compliance and said he was not aware of any waivers being requested. The nominee also told senators he planned to sell his political consulting business, the PWK Group, to a registered lobbying firm identified in his paperwork and said the sale and related ethical steps would be completed prior to his assuming office. When asked for documentation, Kirkland agreed to provide whatever the committee requested, including a copy of the purchase agreement. Why it matters: the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs exercises discretionary authority over land, contracts, grants and regulatory matters affecting federally recognized tribes; conflicts or perceived conflicts at confirmation can affect the trust fiduciary standard and public confidence in decision-making. Committee staff indicated continued scrutiny. Senators made clear that recusal, preemptive divestment or other firm commitments would be the operational approaches they expect to avoid even the appearance of conflicts. The hearing record was left open for additional written questions and supporting documents, including financial transaction paperwork requested by the committee.