On January 7, 2021, the United States Senate confirmed the first Muslim American Cabinet member in history. Representative Deb Haaland of New Mexico was confirmed as the Secretary of the Interior, making her the first Native American to serve in a presidential Cabinet.
Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, was nominated by President Joe Biden in December 2020. She was confirmed by a 51-40 vote in the Senate, with all Democrats and two Republicans voting in favor.
Haaland has a long history of advocating for Native American rights and environmental justice. She has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s policies on climate change, energy, and public lands.
In her confirmation hearing, Haaland promised to prioritize the protection of public lands and to work to address the climate crisis. She also pledged to work to ensure that Native American tribes have a voice in the decision-making process.
Haaland’s confirmation is a historic moment for the Muslim American community. She is the first Muslim American to serve in a presidential Cabinet, and her confirmation is a sign of progress for the Muslim American community.
Haaland’s confirmation is also a sign of progress for Native American communities. She is the first Native American to serve in a presidential Cabinet, and her confirmation is a sign of hope for Native American communities who have long been marginalized and ignored.
Haaland’s confirmation is a sign of progress for the United States as a whole. It is a sign that the country is moving towards a more inclusive and diverse government that is reflective of the American people.
Haaland’s confirmation is a historic moment for the United States, and it is a sign of progress for the Muslim American community, Native American communities, and the country as a whole.