"Deb Haaland brandished her unique background today while facing tough questioning from Republican lawmakers skeptical about her progressive views during a history-making Interior secretary confirmation hearing.
The first Native American nominated to head the enormous department, Haaland introduced herself to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee as an inspirational, up-by-the-bootstraps candidate who seeks bipartisan solutions.
"If an Indigenous woman from humble beginnings can be confirmed as secretary of the Interior, our country holds promise for everyone," Haaland said, adding, "I have pieced together health care for me and my child as a single mom, and at times relied on food stamps to put food on the table."
While the tone remained civil this morning, the hearing will resume for a second round of questions tomorrow, and GOP senators including Sen. Steve Daines of Montana have already made clear their intention to fight Haaland's nomination over her positions on oil and gas and other energy-related policies (E&E Daily, Feb. 8)."
Michael Doyle reports for E&E News February 23, 2021.
SEE ALSO:
"Indian Country Gripped By Haaland Hearing For Top US Post" (AP)
"Senate Republicans Say Interior Pick Deb Haaland Has “Radical Views” on Big Oil" (Vox)
"Haaland Grilled Over Past Criticism Of Republicans At Confirmation Hearing" (CNN)
"5 Things To Watch At Deb Haaland's Confirmation Hearing" (E&E News)
"Haaland Courts Moderates During Tense Senate Confirmation Hearing" (The Hill)
"Ocasio-Cortez Targets Manchin Over Haaland Confirmation" (The Hill)
"Historic U.S. Interior Pick Tests Senate Support For Biden On Climate" (Reuters)
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