Pro fossil fuel senators circle on first Native American female cabinet nominee, calling her ‘...

Representative Deb Haaland, who would make history as the first Native American woman to lead a Cabinet agency, was rounded on by some Republicans at her confirmation hearing for Interior Secretary, and accused of “divisiveness”.

The progressive Democratic congresswoman from New Mexico, who has fought for climate justice, indigenous rights, and voiced opposition to the extractive drilling method of fracking, faced pointed questioning before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday.

As Interior Secretary, Rep Haaland would oversee energy development on federal lands, along with their restoration and protection, while having significant responsibility for hundreds of tribes.

“The historic nature of my confirmation is not lost on me, but I will say that it is not about me,″ Rep Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo, said in opening remarks.