Rep. Haaland’s Nomination Approved by Senate on Bipartisan Vote of 51 – 40

Representative Deb Haaland made history today as the first Native American to be confirmed for the position of Secretary of the Interior of the United States. President Joe Biden nominated Representative Haaland for this position in December, and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee recently  voted 11 to 9 in support of her nomination. 

During her time in Congress Representative Haaland focused on advancing policies that directly benefit New Mexico’s first Congressional district, while staying true to her strong progressive values. As a Congresswoman she held nearly 200 events to connect directly with her constituents and secured significant benefits for New Mexicans in legislative packages like the FY21 Agriculture appropriations bill and the American Rescue Plan. She worked on legislation such as the Not Invisible Act, the PROGRESS for Indian Tribes Act, and Savanna’s Act, which addressed issues faced by Native communities across the nation and were signed into law. As Chair of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, Representative Haaland shepherded the Great American Outdoors Act and a bipartisan Public Lands Package through her subcommittee and to the passage on the House Floor She was known for her ability to work across the aisle to pass common sense measures that directly benefit communities in New Mexico and across America. 

“This is a historic moment for New Mexicans and for Native communities across the nation,” said DPNM Chair Marg Elliston. “We’re thrilled to see a strong New Mexican leader like Representative Haaland break down barriers and make history on the national stage. Representative Haaland is making New Mexico proud, and we know that she will continue to fight for all Americans as she steps into this new role.” 

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