The Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Thursday endorsed the nomination of Brigham Young University law professor Larry EchoHawk to head the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

His nomination now goes to the full Senate for consideration, and a vote there is expected soon.

The endorsement came on a voice vote, but Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., sent a statement that he opposed EchoHawk's nomination. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., sent a statement saying he would support EchoHawk in committee but had concerns about his nomination.



In EchoHawk's confirmation hearing last week, McCain criticized EchoHawk for vague answers on Indian gaming issues, including whether tribes should be able to operate casinos off their reservations and whether Indian gaming is sufficiently regulated.

However, all other senators who spoke in the confirmation hearing last week had high praise for EchoHawk, a Pawnee who is a former Idaho attorney general and Idaho legislator. They said he has the skills needed to address the poverty, poor schools, crime and substance abuse that are too common in Indian country.

EchoHawk said at his hearing, "I pledge to you to work tirelessly and faithfully in executing my responsibilities ... to truly make a difference in the lives of people in need."

He also pledged to work hard to improve education in Indian country, which he said offers an escape from poverty.

He also vowed to "do something about the violence that occurs in Indian country" and to help federal officials realize that "tribes are nations of people entitled to a government-to-government relationship with the United States."

E-mail: lee@desnews.com