The United States Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing yesterday to consider Michael Faulkender’s nomination to serve as the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. This position advises and assists the Treasury Secretary in formulating and implementing policies and programs, including those essential to honoring the United States’ trust and treaty obligations to sovereign Tribal Nations. Faulkender formerly served as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy from 2019 to 2021.

During the hearing, Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) asked Faulkender about his commitment to ensuring the Treasury Department upholds its government-to-government relationship with Tribal Nations by maintaining the statutorily required Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee (TTAC) and the Office of Tribal and Native Affairs. Faulkender affirmed his commitment to Tribes, stating:

“I was the Treasury point of contact for Tribal consultations in the first Trump administration. I, in fact, attended a Tribal event in Minnesota and I was present at the initial meeting of the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee, and I commit to you that we will continue to recognize tribes as governments and work with them to address their revenue issues.”

Senator Smith commented on the vital work of the TTAC and Office of Tribal and Native Affairs, highlighting their benefit to both Tribes and the Treasury. In response, Faulkender stated in his testimony:

“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.”

The TTAC is a seven-member advisory committee established in 2015 that advises the Secretary of the Treasury on Indian taxation matters, IRS field agent training, and technical assistance for Native American financial officers. The Office of Tribal and Native Affairs, established in 2022 and overseen by the U.S. Treasurer, coordinates Tribal consultation, manages the TTAC, and advises on Tribal policies and programs.

Watch a Recording of the Meeting >>

For any other questions or concerns, please contact Nicholas Lovesee, Director of Policy, at nicholas@nafoa.org