“This is all of our country. This is our mother,” Haaland, who is a citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna, an Indian nation based in New Mexico, told Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii). “It’s difficult to not feel obligated to protect this land,” Haaland added. “I feel like every Indigenous person in this country understands this.” On the Democratic side of the committee, Haaland interacted with, in order: • Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), New memberWhen @maziehirono asked why I want to serve as @Interior Secretary, I shared what my dear friend Albert Shirley, who doesn't have electricity, told me. I carry a profound sense of service with me & will fight for everyone so future generations can thrive in our beautiful country. pic.twitter.com/bRlxDSzv7k
— Deb Haaland (@DebHaalandNM) February 25, 2021
• Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), Chairman
• Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington)
• Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)
• Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) On the Republican side, Haaland responded to questions from, in order: • Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho)
• Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Ranking Member
• Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah)
• Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana)
• Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
• Sen. John Hoeven (R-North Dakota)
• Sen. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma)
• Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana)
• Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi)
• Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), New member Toward the conclusion of the hearing, Haaland agreed to respond to written questions from members. The committee intends to hold an initial vote on her nomination during a business meeting next Tuesday. In the following tweet recap, Sen. Roger Marshall’s first and last name were accidentally transposed.
#DebForInterior hearing has started! Tune in.https://t.co/qQRQWuS19H
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
First up is Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), a new member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), a new member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is asking Deb Haaland about water management along the Colorado River. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
“Living in the Southwest, I realize and understand how important water is … We know that water is the lifeblood of the West and the Southwest," Deb Haaland says in response to water management along Colorado River. #WaterIsLife #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), a new member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, also asks about tribal water rights settlements and funding for those settlements.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"It’d be nice to get those done," says Deb Haaland. #DebForInterior
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), new member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, asks whether Biden administration supports permanent ban on uranium mining around Grand Canyon.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Deb Haaland agrees to consult with those affecting by mining. #KeepItGrand #DebForInterior
Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, asks Deb Haaland whether she agrees with President Joe Biden in canceling Keystone XL Pipeline.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"It is his agenda that I seek to move forward," Deb Haaland says of Biden. #DebForInterior #NoKXL
Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is really pushing Deb Haaland on Keystone XL Pipeline. He's repeating question over and over. He claims it is being "shut down" even though it's not in operation. #DebForInterior #NoKXL
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, reveals he is concerned about Nord Stream Pipeline in RUSSIA. He claims Russian pipeline is a "national security issue" for America. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. Joe Manchin, chairman of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is now asking questions of Deb Haaland at confirmation hearing. He again focuses on energy development. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Deb Haaland says she is "happy" to work with Sen. Joe Manchin, chairman of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, on methane venting/flaring.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"Of course that can create jobs," she says.
"Benefiting the taxpayers is always a good idea," Haaland adds. #DebForInterior
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), chairman of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, defends President Biden's "pause" on new oil and gas leases.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"We haven't shut anyone down. We aren't stopping anybody," Manchin says of ongoing federal review. #DebForInterior
"Permits are still moving through," Deb Haaland says in response Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), chairman of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"A review is a good idea," Haaland says of President Biden's "pause" on new oil and gas leases. #DebForInterior
Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Barrasso is former chair of Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.#DebForInterior
Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, says Northern Arapaho Tribe is opposing President Biden's pause on new oil and gas leasing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Submits letter from @northernarapaho in connection to energy development. #DebForInterior
Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, continues to press Deb Haaland on energy.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Halaand: "I want to make sure that if I'm confirmed that we are looking at things and working to strike the right balance." #DebForInterior
Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, appears to be questioning with much harsher tone than first day of #DebForInterior confirmation hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
He's now bringing up marijuana. Claims Biden wants to pivot to "drugs."
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Again focuses on national monuments in #Utah.
Bears Ears National Monument is in #Utah.
Claims #Utah is being "picked on." #DebForInterior
"If I am confirmed, I am ready to sit down and talk with you and the stakeholders in Utah," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, in response to national monuments in #Utah. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"I absolutely would. I would never pass up an opportunity to go to Utah," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, when asked about meeting with people concerned about national monuments in #Utah. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"I look to strike that balance. I think it will be important," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, when asked about "multiple use" of public lands. Lee's "use" is focused on energy development. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Cantwell also serves on Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.#DebForInterior
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Cantwell also serves on Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.#DebForInterior
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, defends cannabis industry in #Washington.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Says #Washington is putting marijuana revenues to "good use."
Notes that most counties in #Washington have legalized cannabis. #DebForInterior
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), member of Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, asks Deb Haaland to ensure @Interior supports popular land & water conservation fund.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Also asks about Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to help states with federal lands. #DebForInterior
"There are people in Indian Country that are so proud of her nomination," Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, says of groundswell of support for Deb Haaland. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), member of Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Like fellow Republican, Daines brings up energy development in foreign country.
Daines also serves on Indian Affairs. #DebForInterior
"Our grandchildren should be able to rely on the Earth as much as we do," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, in response to striking right balance on America's public lands. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), member of Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, brings up trapping on public lands. Says tribal citizens enjoy trapping in #Montana.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"I don't intend to go in and start making rules" without looking at data, Deb Haaland says. #DebForInterior
Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, talks about shooting on public lands.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"I am a Pueblo woman. We have been hunting wild game for centuries," says Deb Haaland. #DebForInterior
Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, brings up grazing on public lands.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"They rely on grazing in order to feed their family," Deb Haaland says, noting that her Pueblo sister participates in ranching. #DebForInterior
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Brings up climate change and a just transition to multiple forms of energy development. #DebForInterior
"This is all of our country. This is our mother. It's difficult to not feel obligated to protect this land. I feel like every Indigenous person in this country understands this,"
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Deb Haaland tells Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii). #DebForInterior
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Again focuses on energy development in #Alaska.
Claims Alaska is being singled out by Biden administration. #DebForInterior
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, brings up Willow Master Development Plan in #Alaska, which was advanced by prior administration shortly before election.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Deb Haaland vows to work with Murkowski on issue. #DebForInterior
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is now talking about Alaska Native corporations at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"We have a model that is significantly different," Murkowski says of ANCs. #DebForInterior
"I know that Alaska is a unique situation with the Alaska Native corporations. I also understand there are 229 Alaska Native villages within those regions," Deb Haaland tells
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. #DebForInterior
"With your help, I will absolutely learn more and absolutely make sure Alaska Native people … get the services that they need," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Hoeven again goes back to Dakota Access Pipeline, which is not under @Interior.#DebForInterior #NoDAPL
Deb Haaland says she will work with Sen. John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, to address impacts of energy development on Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation in #NorthDakota. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Deb Haaland tells Sen. John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), member of Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, that she is committed to consulting with Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation and all tribes.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"Tribal consultation is mandated in this government," she says. #DebForInterior
Sen. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), member of Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Again focuses on energy pipelines.
Lankford also serves on Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. #DebForInterior
Sen. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, asking about endangered species.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"I think the goal is to restore species," Deb Haaland says of endangered species program @Interior.#DebForInterior
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Claims jobs were "killed" when President Biden canceled Keystone XL Pipeline.#DebForInterior #NoKXL
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has exhausted his time without asking Deb Haaland an actual question at her confirmation hearing. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Asks about off-shore energy development, an important industry for #Mississippi. #DebForInterior
"I intend to make sure you are always part of this important conversation. You know your state far better than I ever will," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, claims "low-income households" will pay more in energy costs as a result of Biden administration's oil and gas policies. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Deb Haaland tells Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, that her grandmother did not have full access to electricity in her Laguna Pueblo community until the 1950s. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. Marshall Roger (R-Kansas), a new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Focuses on endangered species — prairie chickens in #Kansas.#DebForInterior
"Sure enough, 10-year-old Roger Marshall shot his first prairie chicken. We took it back to the farm and had prairie chicken and noodles," Sen. Marshall Roger (R-Kansas), a new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, shares childhood memory. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"I am all for that. We are all stewards of this land," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Marshall Roger (R-Kansas), a new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, in response to conservation efforts promoted by farmers. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. Marshall Roger (R-Kansas), a new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sharing another childhood memory, this time about hay hauling parties in #Kansas.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Mentions hunting on public lands in connection with water rights. #DebForInterior
"I know that water law is complicated and important," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Marshall Roger (R-Kansas), a new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"Coming from a traditional farming family — farming for centuries and centuries — farming is absolutely important. It's an American tradition," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Marshall Roger (R-Kansas), new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Highlights Haaland's record of bipartisan cooperation and achievement in Congress.#DebForInterior
"People on the Navajo Nation have to drive to fill up their water barrels. I think in 2021 everyone in America should have an opportunity to have safe and healthy drinking water. This is a human right," says Deb Haaland at confirmation hearing. #WaterIsLife #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, points out that many members of committee — Republican and Democrat alike — come from states where tribal water issues are significant. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"I think you have made the case beyond a doubt that you'll be there for rural jobs," Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, says in announcing support for confirming Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"I just want to thank you for coming back. I really appreciate it," Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), chairman of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, tells Deb Haaland as historic confirmation hearing appears to be coming to a close. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, says he will submit 22 questions in writing to Deb Haaland.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Haaland promises to respond to questions. #DebForInterior
Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, continues to ask questions — this is now his third round at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"I want to make sure you care about the law," he tells Haaland.
"If confirmed, I will seek important partnerships with states, tribes, local communities," Deb Haaland says.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"I'M TALKING ABOUT THE LAW," Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) interjects.
"I will always follow the law," Haaland says with respect to endangered species. #DebForInterior
"I want people to work," Deb Haaland tells Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"Every family deserves to have a roof over their head," Haaland says.#DebForInterior
Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
This is his third round of questioning.
Daines also serves on Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.#DebForInterior
"I support the outdoor economy," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, in response to public uses of public land, including hunting, grazing and fishing. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now on her third round of questioning at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
As hearing appears to be wrapping up, Murkowski brings up "energy vulnerability" in #Alaska.#DebForInterior
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, tells Deb Haaland about Native village of King Cove, where residents are seeking federal approval of a road through a national wildlife refuge. #DebForInterior #Alaska
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Deb Haaland agrees to meet with residents of Native village of King Cove if confirmed as Secretary of the Interior.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"Absolutely," Haaland tells Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.#DebForInterior
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, focuses on need to make land allotments in #Alaska to Alaska Native veterans.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Deb Haaland confirmation hearing appears to be coming to an end shortly. #DebForInterior
"I look so forward to working with you. I promise to follow the law," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, in response to questions about Alaska and its unique needs. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), chairman of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, appears ready to wrap up Deb Haaland confirmation hearing but lets Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), a new member, get in another question about #Kansas. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
"Broadband internet is a human right," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, in response to ensuring people in rural areas get the services they need. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
THE HEARING IS CLOSED!
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 24, 2021
Members of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee have until 6pm Eastern tonight to submit written questions to Deb Haaland.#DebForInterior
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Hearing to Consider the Nomination of the Honorable Debra Haaland to be the Secretary of the Interior (Day 2) (February 24, 2021)
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