Yesterday evening, the Senate voted to confirm Michael Faulkender of Maryland to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. In the previous Trump Administration, Dr. Faulkender served as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy from 2019 to 2021, during which time the Office of Tribal and Native Affairs (OTNA) was created at the Treasury Department. Deputy Secretary Dr. Faulkender will be advising and assisting Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in formulating and implementing policies and programs, including those essential to honoring the United States’ trust and treaty obligations to sovereign Tribal Nations.
During Dr. Faulkender’s confirmation hearing, he expressed support for Tribal priorities at the Department of the Treasury, highlighting his efforts to create the OTNA when questioned by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN):
“It was partially under my leadership that we recognized that an office focused on the unique issues of Tribes was a more appropriate organizational structure than what it was when I first entered.”
Additionally, when responding to an on-the-record question by Senator Cortez Masto (D-NV), he expressed support for the continuation of the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee (TTAC).
Earlier this month, on behalf of NAFOA, Executive Director Cory Blankenship and President of the Board of Directors Chairman Rodney Butler (Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation) sent a letter to the Senate Finance Committee Majority offices supporting Dr. Faulkender’s nomination:
We commend nominee Michael Faulkender for supporting Tribal Nations in his prior role within the Treasury. We hope he will continue to build on the exceptional work of the TTAC and OTNA in his new role as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Treasury in the Trump Administration. At NAFOA, founded as the Native American Finance Officers Association, we are committed to growing Tribal economies and strengthening Tribal finance. This mission aligns with the Trump Administration’s priorities of a strong and respected national economy rooted in sensible tax policy, easing overregulation, and helping working families succeed.
NAFOA looks forward to working with the new Deputy Secretary and the TTAC to grow Tribal economies.
Watch a Recording of the Meeting >>
Read NAFOA’S Letter of Support >>
For any other questions or concerns, please contact Nicholas Lovesee, Director of Policy, at nicholas@nafoa.org
