Madam Secretary! — Reactions to Haaland confirmation you have to see

Published March 16th, 2021 at 7:58 am

DAILY DIGITAL EDITION | TUESDAY | MARCH 16, 2021
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It’s Deb Haaland Week in Washington and New Mexico. OK, not officially, but it might seem that way for those following Twitter and the long list of official acts about to take place in Washington to Santa Fe to make her historic ascent to the president’s cabinet official.

Haaland officially became the first Native American to be confirmed for a US cabinet role, making her the highest-ranking Native ever to serve in government (we think). Four Republicans joined Democrats to get Haaland the critical 51 votes she needed.

It is hard to underestimate the importance of this moment for Indigenous people around the world. Families made fry break for Senate vote watch parties and Elizabeth Warren could barely contain herself on MSNBC hours later.

Madam secretary is still officially Congresswoman Haaland until she can enter her resignation into the Congressional record. Because the House of Representatives was not in session yesterday, that will happen later today. She’ll be officially sworn in later this week.

Haaland’s resignation from Congress triggers a vacancy and special election likely to be held in June. Here’s who has officially filed paperwork to run and how that process will unfold.

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Back home in New Mexico, legislators have just 4 1/2 days until the end of the legislative session. Senators still have to pass the state budget, legalization and a few other priorities so expect some marathon committee and floor sessions in these final days.

Let’s get to today’s news…

Front Page

Legislature

New Mexico

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