Biden’s Interior Secretary pick Deb Haaland gets first Republican nod from Sen. Susan Collins
Interior Secretary nominee Rep. Deb Haaland got her first Republican stamp of approval Wednesday from Sen. Susan Collins, bringing her one step closer to becoming the first Native American cabinet member.
“I will vote to confirm her,” Collins (R-Maine) said in a statement, praising Haaland’s “willingness to support issues important to the State of Maine, such as Acadia National Park, as well as her deep knowledge of tribal issues.”
Collins’ vote arrived one week after Haaland (D-N.M.) secured a thumbs-up from Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), a red-state moderate.
Collins acknowledged that she differs with Haaland on some issues, but said she reached her verdict after meeting with the nominee, poring over her qualifications and considering her support from tribes in Maine and across the nation.
Haaland’s past comments opposing oil and gas drilling have drawn fire from Republicans. But Collins’ support appeared to cement the trailblazer’s path into President Biden’s cabinet.
“Representative Haaland promised to be bipartisan in her new role at the Department of the Interior, and I look forward to working with her,” Collins said.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is expected to vote on Haaland on Thursday.
With News Wire Services
