Notice2026-08132
Proposed Appointment to the National Indian Gaming Commission
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
April 27, 2026
Issuing agencies
Interior Department
Abstract
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act provides for a three-person National Indian Gaming Commission. One member, the Chair, is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Two associate members are appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. The Secretary is required to provide public notice of a proposed appointment of an associate member, and allow a comment period. Notice is hereby given of the proposed appointment of William (Billy) Henry Kirkland III as an associate member of the National Indian Gaming Commission for a term of three years.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 80 (Monday, April 27, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 80 (Monday, April 27, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Page 22545]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-08132]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of the Secretary
[25xd5141GM, DGM000000.000000, DN18000000]
Proposed Appointment to the National Indian Gaming Commission
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act provides for a three-person
National Indian Gaming Commission. One member, the Chair, is appointed
by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Two
associate members are appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. The
Secretary is required to provide public notice of a proposed
appointment of an associate member, and allow a comment period. Notice
is hereby given of the proposed appointment of William (Billy) Henry
Kirkland III as an associate member of the National Indian Gaming
Commission for a term of three years.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 27, 2026.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to the Office of the Solicitor, Department of
the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Mail Stop 6341, Washington, DC 20240,
and mark the envelope with ``NIGC Appointment Comment.''
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Holmes Whalen, Deputy Solicitor
for Indian Affairs, Office of the Solicitor, Department of the
Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Mail Stop 6341, Washington, DC 20240;
telephone: 202-208-4423.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C.
2701 et seq., established the National Indian Gaming Commission
(Commission), composed of three fulltime members. Commission members
serve for a term of three years. The Chair is appointed by the
President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The two associate
members are appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. Before
appointing an associate member to the Commission, the Secretary is
required to ``publish in the Federal Register the name and other
information the Secretary deems pertinent regarding a nominee for
membership on the Commission and . . . allow a period of not less than
thirty days for receipt of public comments.'' See 25 U.S.C.
2704(b)(2)(B).
The Secretary proposes appointing William (Billy) Henry Kirkland
III as an associate member of the Commission for a term of three years.
Mr. Kirland is well qualified to be a member of the Commission by
virtue of his extensive background and experience in a broad spectrum
of Native American issues.
Mr. Kirkland is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. He
currently serves as the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs at the
United States Department of the Interior. He was confirmed by the
United States Senate on October 7, 2025.
Prior to his appointment, Mr. Kirkland delivered high-impact
services to Fortune 500 companies, political candidates, and advocacy
campaigns, driving strategic results for businesses and organizations
across the country. His leadership experience includes managing
professional teams, developing sophisticated campaign strategies, and
achieving significant legislative and public relations outcomes.
Mr. Kirkland's career in public service includes serving in the
Executive Office of the President as special assistant to the President
and deputy director of Intergovernmental Affairs. In this role, he led
tribal engagement efforts for the White House, revitalized the White
House Council on Native American Affairs Policy Agenda, and coordinated
the first-ever Oval Office recognition of Navajo Code Talkers. His work
advanced collaboration among federal, tribal, state, and local leaders,
strengthening government-to-government relationships nationwide.
Mr. Kirkland holds a bachelor's degree from the University of
Georgia. He has been recognized with several distinguished honors,
including the University of Georgia's Top 40 Under 40 Award,
designation as an Eagle Scout, and appointment to the White House
Commission on Presidential Scholars.
Mr. Kirkland does not have any financial interests that would make
him ineligible to serve on the Commission under 25 U.S.C. 2704(b)(5)(B)
or (C).
Any person wishing to submit comments on the proposed appointment
of William Kirkland may submit written comments to the address listed
above. Comments must be received by May 27, 2026.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2704(b)(2)(B)
Doug Burgum,
Secretary of the Interior.
[FR Doc. 2026-08132 Filed 4-24-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-10-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on April 27, 2026.
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