President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden, has proposed New Mexico Congressman Deb Haaland as the new Secretary of the Interior, who, if confirmed by the Senate, would be the first Native American to hold the position.
Haaland, 60, was one of the first two Native American women to serve in Congress in 2018, where she is committed to improving conditions for Indigenous communities, such as aid during the pandemic, and environmental policies. and against climate change.
“A voice like mine has never been a cabinet secretary, nor has he been in charge of the Home Office,” Haaland wrote on his Twitter account. Growing up in my mother’s house in Pueblo made me strong. I will be strong for all of us, our planet and all of our protected land. I feel honored and ready to serve. ”
Haaland, who until now served as vice chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, is part of the Pueblo Laguna Native American community, although she also has heritage from the Jemez Pueblo, indigenous communities of the Southwestern United States.
If confirmed, Haaland would be part of Biden’s plan to form what would be the most diverse government in White House history, thus reflecting the racial plurality of the United States.
The United States Department of the Interior is one of the largest agencies in Washington, managing natural resources including wildlife parks and oil or gas fields, as well as the country’s cultural heritage, in addition to managing the Federal government’s relationships with 578 recognized native American communities.
While Haaland’s nomination somewhat weakens the already narrow Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, the president, veteran Nancy Pelosi, considers Biden’s bet “excellent,” as the Nuevo Mexico congressman “knows the ground.”
If Haaland is eventually elected Secretary of the Interior, Democrats in Congress will count by just a three-vote margin over Republicans in the recent presidential election in Congress.