Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García Lauds Deb Haaland's Confirmation as Secretary of Interior

Statement

Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), Vice Chair of the Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement after Deb Haaland was confirmed as the Secretary of Interior:

"I congratulate my friend and colleague, Deb Haaland, who was just confirmed by the Senate as Secretary of Interior and the first Native American cabinet secretary in U.S. history.

"From public lands to green energy jobs, tribal sovereignty to wildlife preservation, the next Interior Secretary has the opportunity to protect our environment, address the climate crisis, and undo the damage of the past Administration.

"Secretary Haaland is a fierce advocate for environmental protections and climate action. It was an honor to work with her in the House Natural Resources Committee where she was instrumental in getting the Great American Outdoors Act and the Conservation Management and Recreation Act passed into law. Secretary Haaland is ready to deal with the unique challenges faced by our public lands and national parks on day one.

"For too long, Indigenous peoples have been denied a seat at the table where decisions are made about their lives and land. As a proud member of the Laguna Pueblo, Secretary Haaland will bring her lived experience to the Department of Interior and restore the federal government's relationship with sovereign tribal nations.

"I look forward to working with Secretary Haaland to prioritize climate justice, tribal consultation, and a green economic recovery. Together, with the Biden administration, we will drive an agenda centered on climate change, not the fossil fuel industry, and protect our lands and wildlife for future generations.

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