Rep. Deb Haaland (D-New Mexico) provides an opening statement at her confirmation hearing to be Secretary of the Interior on February 23, 2021.

“As many of you know, my story is unique,” Haaland, a citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna, told members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

“Although today I serve as a member of Congress and was the vice-chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, if confirmed, I would be the first Native American to serve as a Cabinet Secretary,” Haaland continued in her opening statement. “The historic nature of my confirmation is not lost on me, but I will say that it is not about me.”

“Rather, I hope this nomination would be an inspiration for Americans — moving forward together as one nation and creating opportunities for all of us,” Haaland said.

Haaland’s confirmation hearing will continue on February 24.

Hearing to Consider Nomination of the Honorable Debra Haaland to be the Secretary of the Interior (February 23, 2021)

Hearing to Consider the Nomination of the Honorable Debra Haaland to be the Secretary of the Interior (February 23, 2021)
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