Democrats on the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources frequently brought up Indian Country issues in their inquiries. Conditions at Bureau of Indian Education schools, the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and the need to protect sacred sites and tribal cultural patrimony were some of the topics discussed. Most of the questions posed by Republican committee members centered on energy development on federal lands, a significant area at Interior. The objections were raised in light of President Joe Biden’s temporary pause on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and an off-shore public waters. On the Democratic/Independent side of the committee, Haaland interacted with, in order: • Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), ChairmanThank you, to my friend @RepDonYoung for introducing me at my confirmation hearing. I’m incredibly grateful for your support and the bipartisan solutions we were able to accomplish together. pic.twitter.com/IzBbahwSiF
— Deb Haaland (@DebHaalandNM) February 23, 2021
• Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington)
• Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont)
• Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon)
• Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico)
• Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)
• Sen. Angus King (I-Maine)
• Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada)
• Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado) The only Democrat who did not speak on Tuesday was Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), a new member of the U.S. Senate and a new member of the committee. On the Republican side, Haaland responded to questions from, in order: • Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Ranking Member
• Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah)
• Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana)
• Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
• Sen. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma)
• Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana)
• Sen. John Hoeven (R-North Dakota)
• Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi)
• Sen. Marshall Roger (R-Kansas) Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho) was the only Republican who did not speak on Tuesday. From concerns about energy development and the Dakota Access Pipeline to inquiries about Bears Ears National Monument and the Keystone XL Pipeline, relive the experience with our social media recap. And prepare for a second round on Wednesday, as the confirmation hearing continues.
The day is finally here: A confirmation hearing for Deb Haaland, from the Pueblo of Laguna, to serve as Secretary of the Interior!
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Learn more about the historic nomination from journalist Jenni Monet at Indigenously. @indigenous_ly #DebForInterior https://t.co/85QocwHeIy
*** STARTING SOON ***
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Tune in for the confirmation hearing of Deb Haaland, a citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna, to be Secretary of the Interior!
You can watch a livestream or join a listen-only room on Clubhouse.#DebForInterior https://t.co/DvR8KiXBY1
The #DebForInterior hearing has started!
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), chairman of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is delivering opening remarks, discussing areas at Department of the Interior, including energy development and tribes.https://t.co/DvR8KjfcPz
Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is delivering opening remarks at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
"Her nomination is historic," he says.
But he adds, he is "troubled" by Deb Haaland's supposed "radical" views on energy.
"I'm willing to work with Rep. Haaland and the Biden administration," Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, says at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
But he says he will oppose nomination unless concessions are made on energy.
Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico) is now speaking at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
He's sharing Deb Haaland's story — Pueblo woman from New Mexico, daughter of two military veterans and a lawmaker with a record of bipartisan achievement.
Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) is now speaking at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Young, whose late wife and children are Alaska Native, is longest-serving member of House of Representatives.
"You may be wonder why I'm doing this," Young says of his support for Deb Haaland.
"She worked with me. She is across the aisle," Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) says at #DebForInterior hearing — rattling off a list of bills that Deb Haaland sponsored and became law.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
"This is bipartisan," says Young.
"She'll work for us and she'll reach across the aisle," Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) says at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Young says Haaland will bring "balance" to Biden administration.
Unlike other Republicans, he says Haaland will understand energy needs of Western states.
Deb Haaland is being sworn in for her confirmation hearing to be Secretary of the Interior.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
She stood up in the committee room and swore to tell the truth.#DebForInterior
Deb Haaland said hello/welcome in the Keres language as she began her opening statement to be Secretary of the Interior. She also acknowledged D.C. as homelands of Nakochtank, Anacostan and Piscataway peoples.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
"As many of you know, my story is unique," she says.#DebForInterior
"As a military family, we moved every few years when I was a kid, but no matter where we lived, my dad taught me and my siblings to appreciate nature, whether on a mountain trail or walking along the beach," says Deb Haaland.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Both parents served in military. #DebForInterior
"I’m not a stranger to the struggles many families across America face today – I’ve lived most of my adult life paycheck to paycheck. I have pieced together health care for me & my child as a single mom & at times relied on food stamps to put food on the table." #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
"As I’ve learned in this role, there’s no question that fossil energy does and will continue to play a major role in America for years to come. I know how important oil and gas revenues are to fund critical services," says Deb Haaland, addressing GOP concerns. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
"I will listen to and work with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle."
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
"I will honor the sovereignty of Tribal nations and recognize their part in America’s story."
"I'll be a fierce advocate for our public lands."#DebForInterior
"If an Indigenous woman from humble beginnings can be confirmed as Secretary of the Interior, our country holds promise for everyone," says Deb Haaland, citizen of Pueblo of Laguna.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
"I’m ready to serve," says Haaland.#DebForInterior
The #DebForInterior hearing is moving pretty quickly. After just 30 minutes, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is already on the questions and answers portion.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), chairman of committee, is first in line for questions.
"My mom was a federal employee for 25 years," Deb Haaland notes at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Her Pueblo mother, Mary Toya, worked for Bureau of Indian Education, one of agencies at Department of the Interior. @BureauIndianEdu @USInterior
Mary is watching hearing from #NewMexico.
"I'm very familiar with abandoned mines. We have a lot of them in New Mexico, including some on Navajo Nation," Deb Haaland says.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Promises to work with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) on securing resources for mine cleanup, a big issue in #WestVirginia. #DebForInterior
Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking Republican on Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is now asking questions at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
He focused on energy development in initial line of questions.
He also asked Deb Haaland about a tweet she posted.
"I don't believe that it is a permanent ban," Deb Haaland tells Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) when asked about President Joe Biden's temporary pause on new oil and gas leases on public lands and waters. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), former chair of Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, now asking questions at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
She notes Deb Haaland led passage of several Indian Country bills in House of Representatives, including long-waited law for Spokane Tribe.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources, is now asking questions at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Utah is home to Bears Ears National Monument, which Donald Trump dramatically downsized, going against tribes who fought for creation of monument to protect sacred & ancestral lands.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
President Joe Biden has ordered @Interior to take second look at boundaries. #DebForInterior
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) brings up Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in questions at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Lee insists that both monuments are larger than needed.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is now asking questions at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Opens with question about "threats" posed by climate change.
Deb Haaland agrees addressing climate change is major issue @Interior.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, discusses historic mistreatment of American Indians and Alaska Natives at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Asks Deb Haaland how @Interior and @USIndianAffairs can "improve life" in Indian Country.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, asks about Indian Health Service at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Deb Haaland notes that she has used @IHSgov in past.
Note: IHS is run by @HHSGov, not @Interior
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, asks about #OakFlat, sacred Apache site in #Arizona being threatened by copper mine advanced by Trump administration.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Deb Haaland notes that mine being handled by @USDA and @forestservice.
Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Opens with endangered species question — specifically grizzly bears in #Montana.
Note: Tribes in Montana SUPPORT protections for grizzlies.
Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now focusing on energy pipelines at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Note: tribes in Montana opposed Keystone XL Pipeline, which President Joe Biden canceled on day one.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Wyden points out that Deb Haaland built "bipartisan coalitions" as member of US House of Representatives.
"I was the highest rated freshman for bipartisanship in the 116th Congress," Deb Haaland says at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Haaland thanks Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) for his help in getting slew of Indian Country bills passed.
Young introduced Haaland earlier in hearing.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Murkowski, vice chair of Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, delivered response to State of Indian Nations #SOIN on Monday. #SOIN2021
"I know that President Biden doesn't want to cripple any state," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) when asked about executive orders affecting energy development in #Alaska.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Haaland vows to work with Murkowski on energy issues. #DebForInterior
Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now speaking at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
"We have not lost thousands of jobs in New Mexico," Heinrich says in response to claims raised by Republicans earlier in hearing.
Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, asks about school construction at Bureau of Indian Education, one of many agencies @Interior.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Notes that 78 @BureauIndianEdu schools are listed in "poor" condition. #DebForInterior
"Our children deserve to have opportunities to learn in the best way,” says Deb Haaland, noting she went to Bureau of Indian Education school at Laguna Pueblo in #NewMexico.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
The @BureauIndianEdu school at Laguna is among those waiting for critical improvements. #DebForInterior
Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, brings up STOP Act, bill he introduced to make it illegal to export tribal property to other nations.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Deb Haaland notes need to protect tribal cultural patrimony.#DebForInterior
Sen. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions about #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Asks about energy development on Osage Nation in #Oklahoma.
Asks Deb Haaland about standards for development in Indian Country.
“Tribes should continue to move forward with their operations," said Deb Haaland, noting that President Joe Biden's pause on new energy leases does not apply to Indian Country. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions about #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Open by asking Deb Haaland some standard questions about sexual harassment.
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, brings up Native Hawaiians in #Hawaii.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Hirono believes Deb Haaland, as a Native person, will bring important perspective to addressing Native Hawaiian issues. #DebForInterior
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, also brings up #MMIW crisis.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Hirono notes that she brought up missing and murdered Indigenous women in confirmation hearing with Merrick Garland, Attorney General nominee. #DebForInterior
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
"Your personal story is compelling," Cassidy tells Deb Haaland.
Focuses on energy development in #Louisiana.
"It is his decision, he's the president," Deb Haaland says of Joe Biden's decision to cancel Keystone XL Pipeline on first day in office.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Note: Indian Country widely opposed Keystone XL Pipeline, which was subject to presidential permit, not @Interior. #DebForInterior #NoKXL
"If I am confirmed, the Interior Department's decisions will be guided by science," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, when asked about energy pipelines. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
"Yes, I'll come," Deb Haaland said when King invites her to visit #Maine to see public lands and waters.
Deb Haaland commits to reviewing methane regulations when asked by Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
"I look forward to supporting your nomination," says King.
Sen. John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Hoeven most recently served as chair of Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
Starts off with energy development industry in #NorthDakota.
Sen. John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, claims that Dakota Access Pipeline has been operating "safely" for three years.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Hoeven fails to mention that #NoDAPL had an oil spill in South Dakota. #DebForInterior
Deb Haaland says she went to Standing Rock in 2016 to "stand with water protectors."
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
She also says she supported Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other Indian nations because they felt they weren't adequately consulted about Dakota Access Pipeline.#DebForInterior #NoKXL
Deb Haaland points out that US Army Corps of Engineers, not @Interior, is in charge of reviewing Dakota Access Pipeline. #NoKXL #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Please Note: A federal judge repeatedly ruled that tribal nations were not adequately consulted on Dakota Access Pipeline. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals also ruled that tribal concerns were not fully considered. The issue is not really up for debate. #NoKXL #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
"Frankly, your positions on energy are alarming to Mississippians," Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, tells Deb Haaland at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Haaland vows to work with Hyde-Smith on energy issues.
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), member of Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Cortez Masto also serves on Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
Cortez Masto worked with Deb Haaland to pass #MMIW bills in Congress.
The Senate is taking votes, as pointed out by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), chairman of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
He asked Deb Haaland if she will be able to return for more questions on Wednesday morning.
Haaland said yes to day two. #DebForInterior
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), a new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), a new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, says President Joe Biden and Deb Haaland should visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial in #SouthDakota. #LANDBACK
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), new Democratic member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at #DebForInterior hearing.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
In response to Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), new Democratic member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Deb Haaland says President Joe Biden supports Civilian Conservation Corps Act. Donald Trump opposed it. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
In response to Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Deb Haaland says she will keep "open dialog" on Bureau of Land Management, where staff was being pushed to moved to #Colorado by Trump administration. #DebForInterior
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
THE COMMITTEE IS NOW IN RECESS!#DebForInterior confirmation hearing will return at 10am Eastern on Wednesday, February 24, 2021.
— indianz.com (@indianz) February 23, 2021
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