WASHINGTON – Moments ago, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted to advance the nomination of Rep. Deb Haaland for Secretary of the Interior Department to a full Senate confirmation vote by a vote of 11-9.
In reaction to the vote, Nikki Pitre, executive director of the Center for Native American Youth said:
“Today is historic. We are thrilled that Rep. Deb Haaland has won the support of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and we look forward to the full Senate vote on her historic confirmation as the nation’s first Indigenous woman to serve in a cabinet level position.
“As Interior Secretary, Haaland would play a monumental role in improving the federal government’s relations with Indian Country. Native youth look forward to joining Secretary Haaland in the fight for clean air, clean water, healthy wildlife, and the protection of sacred lands.
“Native youth look to Representative Haaland as a role model, as a fierce defender of their rights and their communities, and as the living representation of the future of Indigenous communities in this country. We urge the full Senate to promptly confirm Representative Haaland as the Secretary of the Interior. She will be a fierce advocate for all of us, in a way that no one else can.”