ASSOCIATED PRESS • March 15, 2021
The Senate on Monday confirmed New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland as interior secretary by a 51-40 vote, making her the first Native American to lead a Cabinet department and the first to lead the federal agency that has wielded influence over the nation’s tribes for more than nearly two centuries. Democrats and tribal groups hailed Haaland’s confirmation as historic, saying her selection means that Indigenous people – who lived in North America before the United States was created – will for the first time see a Native American lead the powerful department where decisions on relations with the nearly 600 federally recognized tribes are made. Interior also oversees energy development on public lands and waters, national parks and endangered species.