The confirmation hearing for Congresswoman Deb Haaland for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior is scheduled to begin Tuesday, February 23rd, at 9:30 a.m. EST.
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) is the federal agency that oversees public lands and every program impacting every aspect of the lives of Native people and Tribal governments. The DOI is dedicated to meeting the federal government’s treaty and trust responsibilities to tribal nations and protecting and stewarding the public lands of this country. The agency oversees Indian Education, Indian Health Services, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. If Congresswoman Haaland is confirmed as Secretary of the Department of the Interior, it would be the first time in history that a Native leader would oversee the management and stewardship of lands, waters, education of Native people, law enforcement, job growth, health care, and the implementation of technology on tribal lands.
Yet ahead of the hearing, Congresswoman Haaland is facing direct attacks by the oil and gas industry and the Senators they fund concerning her experience. To ensure all senators hear loud and clear that she has the experience and leadership we need at the U.S. Department of Interior, the American Indian College Fund is joining allied Native organizations to advocate for Haaland’s confirmation as part of #DebForInterior Week of Action from next Monday, February 22 to Wednesday, February 24.
Here’s how you can help during the #DebForInterior Week of Action to generate a groundswell of public awareness and support for Congresswoman Haaland:
1. Add your name to a list of supporters for the historic confirmation of Representative Haaland for Secretary of the Interior by visiting bit.ly/Deb4Interior;
2. Share the website bit.ly/Deb4Interior on your social media pages, via text, and by email to urge your friends, families, and contacts to support Congresswoman Haaland’s nomination; and
3. Listen to Congresswoman Deb Haaland’s (D-NM, Pueblo of Laguna) confirmation hearing for the nomination as Secretary of the Department of the Interior on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. EST (view Webcast HERE). The U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee will hold the hearing and consider her nomination before it moves on for consideration by the full U.S. Senate.
