In a historic 51-40 vote, the U.S. Senate today confirmed Deb Haaland (D-NM) as Secretary of the Interior. She is the first Native American Cabinet Secretary in U.S. history.
“Congratulations to Secretary Haaland on her historic confirmation,” said U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “Her leadership on public lands and waters, natural resources management, and climate action as well as her deep connections to Native communities will benefit all Americans. I look forward to working with her on our shared obligation to uphold the U.S. trust responsibility to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.”
“Thank you to the U.S. Senate for your confirmation vote today,” Haaland wrote in a statement. “A voice like mine has never been a Cabinet secretary or at the head of the Department of Interior. Growing up in my mother’s Pueblo household made me fierce. I’ll be fierce for all of us, our planet, and all of our protected land. I am honored and ready to serve.”