Washington, DC — The US Senate has officially confirmed New Mexico Representative Deb Haaland for Secretary of Interior. This makes Haaland the first Indigenous person to serve in a presidential Cabinet ever. Haaland faced heated Republican opposition during her Senate hearing.
350.org US Organizing Director Kendall Mackey gave the following response:
“An Indigenous-led, nation-wide movement ensured Biden nominated Haaland to this post, and now we’ve successfully made sure the Senate confirmed her. The historic nature of this nomination is significant to everyone in the US, and is indicative of momentum towards building a livable future for all of us. Haaland is an experienced leader, who models a true commitment to Native leadership and climate justice. Under Haaland’s leadership, the Department of the Interior, which has the biggest impact on the lives of Native Peoples’, will play a critical role in respecting Indigenous sovereignty, keeping fossil fuels in the ground, and protecting our land and water. We will work with her to ensure a just and equitable transition to a regenerative, people-powered economy.”
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