Senate confirms Deb Haaland 51-40; first Native American to serve as the Secretary of the Interior
Coconino County applauded the Senate’s action to confirm Rep. Deb Haaland as the first Native American to serve as the Secretary of the Interior. Coconino County has significant interaction with the Interior Department in all corners of the County including the National Park Service, the Bureaus of Land Management, Reclamation, Indian Affairs, and Education and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
“We are overjoyed to have a Native American at the helm of the Interior Department, especially with Coconino County’s diverse population and landscape. The Interior Department has a significant footprint here in our County and every decision they make – from the WAVE on the Utah border to the Grand Canyon – impacts us all. We look forward to working with Secretary Haaland to move forward for greater funding and protection of our public lands and assets,” commented Vice-Chair Lena Fowler.
“Secretary Haaland’s confirmation is a historic moment for our Country. It demonstrates the commitment of our country to leadership that reflects the diversity of our country. I look forward to seeing a focus on the important issues that our Native American peoples have long fought for as we work with Secretary Haaland.” said Sup. Judy Begay.
Secretary Haaland was confirmed by the Senate on a vote of 51-40 earlier this week. The Secretary previously served in the House of Representatives from New Mexico. She is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna.