Neil Gorsuch, nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court, fielded questions on the second day of his confirmation hearing from the Senate on March 22nd about his record on Native American issues as a judge on the Tenth Circuit Court. The Tenth Circuit includes states with a significant amount of federally-recognized tribes like Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Gorsuch has a record of upholding tribal rights regarding treaty obligations, sovereign immunity, and the sanctity of tribal courts.
In a short exchange with Senator Jeff Flake (R- AZ), Gorsuch reiterated the sovereign status of tribal nations and reinforced his history in upholding tribal rights and institutions. With critical cases soon to appear before the court regarding tribal sovereignty and the potential for the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to reach America’s highest court, NAFSA will continue to monitor Gorsuch’s hearing closely.
Watch the short video of Senator Flake and Judge Gorsuch here.
