03.15.21

Cantwell Applauds Haaland Confirmation: “Historic Day for Indian Country and for All Americans”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement after Congresswoman Deb Haaland was confirmed as the next U.S. Secretary of the Interior by a bipartisan vote of 51-40:

“This is an historic day for Indian Country and for all Americans as Congresswoman Haaland becomes Interior Secretary Haaland. This confirmation puts us on a new path to putting science first, tackling the climate crisis head on, preserving our public lands, and recognizing the role we all play in the stewardship of our lands and waters. Congratulations to our new Secretary of the Interior.”

Senator Cantwell questioned Rep. Haaland at both days of her confirmation hearing in February, praising her nomination and touching on its importance to communities in Washington on issues like public lands, National Parks, wildfires, climate change, Arctic drilling, coal leasing, and the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan.

More information and video of Senator Cantwell’s Day 1 Q&A with Rep. Haaland can be found HERE, while Day 2 Q&A can be found HERE.

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