GOP Seeks to Block First Native American Nominated to Cabinet
When Joe Biden was still on the campaign trail, one of his most repeated promises was to create an administration and Cabinet that looked like the country it would represent. Now as President, Biden has delivered on that promise and then some. But some members of the GOP have made it their mission to block President Biden’s appointees for whatever reasons they can muster, because if they’re not obstructing a Democratic president, what are they there for?
In their latest attempt at preventing the new administration from undoing the damage from the last one, Republicans are blocking the President’s appointee for Interior Secretary. If confirmed, Deb Haaland would make history as the first Native American woman to serve on a Presidential Cabinet. But opponents to the choice who were already being vocal pre-impeachment are now speaking a little louder now.

Senator Steve Daines of Montana voiced his concerns earlier in the month regarding Haaland’s support for the Green New Deal and President Biden’s oil and gas moratorium, as well as her opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline.
“I’m not convinced the Congresswoman can divorce her radical views and represent what’s best for Montana and all stakeholders in the West. Unless my concerns are addressed, I will block her confirmation,” he said.
Republicans are outraged because Deb Haaland, nominee for Interior Secretary, actually wants to protect our public lands and stand up to Big Oil.
Who thinks @DebHaalandNM will be THE BEST Interior Secretary in our nation's history?https://t.co/QRFL75zabx
— Nick Knudsen 🇺🇸 (@NickKnudsenUS) February 15, 2021
Other members of the GOP began voicing concerns about Haaland, who was elected to the House in 2018, because her nomination to lead the federal lands agency delighted progressives. As usual, they were shut down on Twitter by people who actually understood the issues.
That's great news. We need an Interior Secretary who has the guts to take on fossil fuel CEOs whose greed is destroying the planet. We need an Interior Secretary who will protect our environment. I'm confident Deb Haaland is that person and I am proud to support her nomination. https://t.co/oarQnCcIZg
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) February 15, 2021
Daines could stall the nomination by placing a hold preventing her from advancing through a procedural vote and instead forcing a cloture vote, which could take a significant amount of time. Haaland is likely to ultimately prevail though, as only a simple majority would be needed to eventually get her nomination to the floor.
Of course Republicans are going to try and oppose confirming Deb Haaland as the Interior Secretary. Not only would she be the first Native American cabinet secretary, she is ready to take on big oil and help us reverse course.
Bring it. https://t.co/DLciAKZ09X
— Amee Vanderpool (@girlsreallyrule) February 15, 2021
Haaland isn’t the only woman of color being blocked by the Senate. Last Thursday Senator Ted Cruz placed a hold preventing the Senate from voting on the nomination of Gina Raimondo, President Biden’s pick for Commerce secretary, over concerns Raimondo has not clarified her stance on Chinese telecom giant Huawei.