Martin Heinrich: “I rise today in support of my colleague in the New Mexico congressional delegation, my Representative in the House of…”

“I rise today in support of my colleague in the New Mexico congressional delegation, my Representative in the House of Representatives, and President Joe Biden's nominee for Secretary of Interior, Congresswoman Deb Haaland. Congresswoman Haaland is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna. She is what we like to call in New Mexico a 35th-generation New Mexican. As many have noted, she will make history as the first-ever Native American Cabinet Secretary, something that, frankly, should have happened a long, long time ago in this country. Deb also has lived experience--as a single mother, as a small business owner, as a Tribal administrator--experiences that will serve her well and bring real representation to President Joe Biden's Cabinet. She grew up in a military family. Her father was a decorated Marine combat veteran, and her mother is a Navy veteran. She grew up like a lot of kids with parents in the military, moving frequently, actually attending 13 different public schools over the course of her childhood. Before being elected to Congress, she owned her own business, she was the chair of the board of a tribally owned business, and also served as Tribal administrator for the Pueblo of San Felipe. Thanks to all of that experience, Congresswoman Haaland knows firsthand how the decisions that we make here in Washington, and particularly in the Interior Department, affect communities across the country, especially in Tribal communities and rural Western States.…”