REQUESTING THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO APPOINT SHARON E. CLAHCHISCHILLIAGE AS THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR FOR THE BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.

WHEREAS, the entire New Mexico congressional delegation supports Senator Pete Domenici's recommendation of Sharon E. Clahchischilliage, a native New Mexican, for such a prestigious position in the administration of George W. Bush, president of the United States; and

WHEREAS, she was tribal affairs officer in the children, youth and families department, where she served with honor and distinction; and

WHEREAS, she coordinated tribal-state relations between the twenty-two New Mexico pueblos and Indian nations, Governor Gary Johnson and the New Mexico cabinet secretaries; and

WHEREAS, she has dedicated herself to improving education, health care, justice and equal access to human services for all New Mexico Indian people; and

WHEREAS, she has served with equal distinction as a lieutenant in the United States commissioned corps providing mental health and health care services to the Indian people of New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, she has served in national legislative and political affairs for the benefit of New Mexico pueblos and Indian nations; and

WHEREAS, her experience, education and training have qualified her to represent New Mexico with honor and distinction;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the president of the United States be requested to appoint Sharon E. Clahchischilliage as the department of the interior's assistant secretary for the bureau of Indian affairs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the president of the United States, the governor of New Mexico and the New Mexico congressional

delegation.