'Obligated to Protect This Land': Haaland Stands Ground on Day Two of Confirmation Hearing

WASHINGTON — On the second day of confirmation hearings for President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Interior Department — a position that ranks eighth under the president and tasked with overseeing federal lands and waters across the country — Rep. Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) of New Mexico reminded senators that, if confirmed, she will work together with lawmakers to find bipartisan solutions.

“I have said many times yesterday that I will absolutely consult with you and with all the members of this committee, it’s important,” Rep. Haaland said in response to Sen. Mark Kelly from Arizona about water management in the West. “Congress is a co-equal branch of government. I think if we work together, we can find solutions to some of these issues.”

Senators on the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources had until 6 p.m. Wednesday evening to submit final questions to Haaland. If more than half of the committee supports her nomination, the congresswoman will make history as the first Native American cabinet member.

https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/obligated-to-protect-this-land-haaland-stands-ground-on-day-two-of-confirmation-hearing