WASHINGTON -- (WASHINGTON) -- Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today praised President Bush's nomination of Carl J. Artman to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs. His nomination is subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

Artman, an enrolled member of the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin, currently serves as the department's Associate Solicitor for Indian Affairs. Prior to this, he was chief counsel of the Oneida Tribe. He also has served on the staff of Rep. Michael Oxley.

"With his extensive experience working with and for tribal governments, Carl is an outstanding choice to oversee the Bureau of Indian Affairs," Kempthorne said. "I have worked with Carl and know he will ably serve American Indians and Alaska Natives as we move forward to address important issues in Indian Country, including education and economic development. He'll be an outstanding addition to the Interior leadership team."

As chief counsel for the Oneida Tribe, Artman managed all legal affairs of the tribe and provided legal guidance for tribal-wide reorganization and economic development.

Artman also has experience with various telecommunications companies, including serving as general manager of development and operations for VoiceStream Wireless and vice president of legal affairs for Airadigm Communications.

Artman received his bachelor's degree from Columbia College in Columbia, Mo., and his law degree from Washington University in St. Louis.