Progressives celebrate Biden’s historic pick of Haaland for Interior Secretary

Progressives are praising President-elect Joe Biden’s selection of one of only two Native American women ever elected to Congress to serve as his Secretary of the Interior. 

“YES!” exclaimed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a tweet on Thursday. “This is a big deal. Historic appointment. A visionary Native woman in charge of federal lands. Unequivocally progressive. Green New Deal champion. Exquisitely experienced.” 

On Thursday, the Biden transition team announced Rep. Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) would be nominated to serve at the post. She is the first Native American tapped for a Cabinet position in American history. 

“Congratulations sis, so excited for the amazing work you will lead,” tweeted Rep. Ilhan Omar (Minn.), a fellow Democrat. “Proud of [Haaland] and the movement for pushing for this historic appointment. It’s a great day in America.” 

Cori Bush, a newly elected member of Congress and soon to be latest addition the Democratic Party’s more progressive caucus tweeted: “Madam Secretary Deb Haaland.” 

 

Haaland is a backer of the Green New Deal and if confirmed would oversee the country’s public lands, forests and parks.