LAGUNA, N.M. – U.S. Representative Debra Haaland, a daughter of Laguna Pueblo, entered the United States Congress in 2018 and was one of the first two Native American women elected to the high office that year. Now, Representative Haaland is set to make history as the first Native American woman to run the U.S. Department of the Interior.
President-Elect Joe Biden, who will formally be inaugurated as President of the United States on January 20 appointed Haaland to the position saying, “As the first Native American cabinet secretary, Rep. Haaland will be a true steward,” he explained, “It is long overdue” for a Native American to hold the position.
Pending congressional action, the approval process for President-Elect Biden’s cabinet can begin after the inauguration. All cabinet positions must first be approved by the U.S. Senate, with the leader of the current senate delegation, Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), saying that he will allow all of Biden’s picks a floor vote.
“This moment is profound when we consider the fact that one former secretary of the Interior once proclaimed his goal, to quote 'to civilize or exterminate us.' I am a living testament of the failure of that horrific ideology," Haaland added, "I also stand on the shoulder of my ancestors and all the people who sacrificed so that I can be here.”
Haaland’s elevation to the high office would leave New Mexico without one of its congresspeople. Halaand represents New Mexico’s First Congressional District, which includes Bernalillo, Torrance, Sandoval, Santa Fe and Valencia counties. To fill the vacancy New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will have to issue a Writ of Election as specified in the U.S. Constitution and a special election must be held to fill the vacancy. Such an election was last held in 1998 after NMCD Rep. Steve Schiff died in office.
New Mexico reacts N.M. Governor Lujan Grisham (D) said, “Rep. Deb Haaland is a woman of integrity, tenacity and heart. She is a leader, a fighter and a tireless advocate,” Lujan Grisham said. “A proud daughter of Laguna Pueblo, she has made it her life’s work to represent and deliver
New Mexico reacts for not only her home and her people but the interests of everyone.”
New Mexico’s outgoing senior U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D) endorsed the nomination saying, “President-Elect Biden has chosen an outstanding leader in Congresswoman Haaland, and I am confident that she will be both a historic Interior Secretary and an excellent one.” Senator Udall added, “She will undo the damage of the Trump administration, restore the department’s workforce and expertise, uphold our obligations to Native communities, and take the bold action needed to tackle the accelerating climate and nature crises.”
New Mexico Congressman, Assistant Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senator-Elect Ben Ray Lujan (D) said, “President-Elect Biden has chosen an outstanding leader in Congresswoman Haaland, and I am confident that she will be both a historic Interior Secretary and an excellent one,” he said. “She will undo the damage of the Trump administration, restore the department’s workforce and expertise, uphold our obligations to Native communities, and take the bold action needed to tackle the accelerating climate and nature crises.”
New Mexico’s junior Senator Martin Heinrich (D), a staunch environmental protector said, “I will sleep better at night knowing that the strong relationship I have with Congresswoman Haaland and our shared vision for public land management and trust obligations to our First Nations will allow us to undo the damage caused by the Trump administration and accomplish so much for New Mexico and the entire country,” he said. “Given the desire of Americans for outdoor recreation, environmental justice, climate solutions, preservation of wildlife, clean water and rural economic development, I’m optimistic she will reorient the Department of the Interior towards those forward-thinking objectives.”
New Mexico State Auditor Brian Colón (D) said, “For years I have been honored to call Representative Haaland my friend, since she was elected to the United States Congress in 2018, I have been honored to call her my Congresswoman, and today I am honored to call her our country’s next Secretary of the Interior. This nomination is particularly important as New Mexico has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other U.S. State; it is home to extensive federal lands, parks, and monuments – all of which play a vital role in our economy and eco-tourism – and is why we are known as the Land of Enchantment. I have high hopes and eagerly anticipate the great work of Secretary Haaland on the matters that impact Indigenous communities, New Mexicans, and all Americans the most, protecting and conserving our federal lands. Congresswoman Haaland is a trailblazer and as an enrolled member of the Pueblo of La guna, upon confirmation, she would be the country’s first Native American Cabinet Secretary bringing a unique and critical perspective to the position. This is an historic nomination, as one of the first female Native Americans to serve in Congress, Representative Haaland has demonstrated her vast knowledge, experience, and commitment to environmental protections and clean energy while serving as vice chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources.”
The Cibola Citizen was unable to reach Office of Laguna Governor Wilfred Herrera, Jr. for comment prior to publication deadline. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Pueblo of Laguna declared an emergency and many offices are currently closed.