Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota) was installed as chairman of the committee on Thursday. He said he will work closely with Sen. Craig Thomas (R-Wyoming), the new vice chairman, on legislation to benefit Indian Country.

"I believe there is a bona fide crisis in Indian health care, education and housing, and this committee has an opportunity to make a real difference on those issues during this Congress," Dorgan said. "I look forward to charting a course that will help move our American Indian communities forward."