Thread by @indianz

#DebForInterior hearing has started! Tune in.
indianz.com/News/2021/02/2…

First up is Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), a new member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. #DebForInterior

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), a new member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is asking Deb Haaland about water management along the Colorado River. #DebForInterior

“Living in the Southwest, I realize and understand how important water is ... We know that water is the lifeblood of the West and the Southwest," Deb Haaland says in response to water management along Colorado River. #WaterIsLife #DebForInterior

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), a new member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, also asks about tribal water rights settlements and funding for those settlements.

"It’d be nice to get those done," says Deb Haaland. #DebForInterior

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), new member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, asks whether Biden administration supports permanent ban on uranium mining around Grand Canyon.

Deb Haaland agrees to consult with those affecting by mining. #KeepItGrand #DebForInterior

Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, asks Deb Haaland whether she agrees with President Joe Biden in canceling Keystone XL Pipeline.

"It is his agenda that I seek to move forward," Deb Haaland says of Biden. #DebForInterior #NoKXL

Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is really pushing Deb Haaland on Keystone XL Pipeline. He's repeating question over and over. He claims it is being "shut down" even though it's not in operation. #DebForInterior #NoKXL

Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, reveals he is concerned about Nord Stream Pipeline in RUSSIA. He claims Russian pipeline is a "national security issue" for America. #DebForInterior

Sen. Joe Manchin, chairman of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is now asking questions of Deb Haaland at confirmation hearing. He again focuses on energy development. #DebForInterior

Deb Haaland says she is "happy" to work with Sen. Joe Manchin, chairman of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, on methane venting/flaring.

"Of course that can create jobs," she says.

"Benefiting the taxpayers is always a good idea," Haaland adds. #DebForInterior

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), chairman of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, defends President Biden's "pause" on new oil and gas leases.

"We haven't shut anyone down. We aren't stopping anybody," Manchin says of ongoing federal review. #DebForInterior

"Permits are still moving through," Deb Haaland says in response Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), chairman of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

"A review is a good idea," Haaland says of President Biden's "pause" on new oil and gas leases. #DebForInterior

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions.

Barrasso is former chair of Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

#DebForInterior

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, says Northern Arapaho Tribe is opposing President Biden's pause on new oil and gas leasing.

Submits letter from @NorthernArapaho in connection to energy development. #DebForInterior

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, continues to press Deb Haaland on energy.

Halaand: "I want to make sure that if I'm confirmed that we are looking at things and working to strike the right balance." #DebForInterior

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, appears to be questioning with much harsher tone than first day of #DebForInterior confirmation hearing.

He's now bringing up marijuana. Claims Biden wants to pivot to "drugs."

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.

Again focuses on national monuments in #Utah.

Bears Ears National Monument is in #Utah.

Claims #Utah is being "picked on." #DebForInterior

"If I am confirmed, I am ready to sit down and talk with you and the stakeholders in Utah," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, in response to national monuments in #Utah. #DebForInterior

"I absolutely would. I would never pass up an opportunity to go to Utah," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, when asked about meeting with people concerned about national monuments in #Utah. #DebForInterior

"I look to strike that balance. I think it will be important," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, when asked about "multiple use" of public lands. Lee's "use" is focused on energy development. #DebForInterior

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.

Cantwell also serves on Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

#DebForInterior

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, defends cannabis industry in #Washington.

Says #Washington is putting marijuana revenues to "good use."

Notes that most counties in #Washington have legalized cannabis. #DebForInterior

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), member of Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, asks Deb Haaland to ensure @Interior supports popular land & water conservation fund.

Also asks about Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to help states with federal lands. #DebForInterior

"There are people in Indian Country that are so proud of her nomination," Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, says of groundswell of support for Deb Haaland. #DebForInterior

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), member of Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.

Like fellow Republican, Daines brings up energy development in foreign country.

Daines also serves on Indian Affairs. #DebForInterior

"Our grandchildren should be able to rely on the Earth as much as we do," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, in response to striking right balance on America's public lands. #DebForInterior

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), member of Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, brings up trapping on public lands. Says tribal citizens enjoy trapping in #Montana.

"I don't intend to go in and start making rules" without looking at data, Deb Haaland says. #DebForInterior

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, talks about shooting on public lands.

"I am a Pueblo woman. We have been hunting wild game for centuries," says Deb Haaland. #DebForInterior

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, brings up grazing on public lands.

"They rely on grazing in order to feed their family," Deb Haaland says, noting that her Pueblo sister participates in ranching. #DebForInterior

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.

Brings up climate change and a just transition to multiple forms of energy development. #DebForInterior

"This is all of our country. This is our mother. It's difficult to not feel obligated to protect this land. I feel like every Indigenous person in this country understands this,"
Deb Haaland tells Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii). #DebForInterior

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.

Again focuses on energy development in #Alaska.

Claims Alaska is being singled out by Biden administration. #DebForInterior

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, brings up Willow Master Development Plan in #Alaska, which was advanced by prior administration shortly before election.

Deb Haaland vows to work with Murkowski on issue. #DebForInterior

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is now talking about Alaska Native corporations at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.

"We have a model that is significantly different," Murkowski says of ANCs. #DebForInterior

"I know that Alaska is a unique situation with the Alaska Native corporations. I also understand there are 229 Alaska Native villages within those regions," Deb Haaland tells
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. #DebForInterior

"With your help, I will absolutely learn more and absolutely make sure Alaska Native people ... get the services that they need," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. #DebForInterior

Sen. John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.

Hoeven again goes back to Dakota Access Pipeline, which is not under @Interior.

#DebForInterior #NoDAPL

Deb Haaland says she will work with Sen. John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, to address impacts of energy development on Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation in #NorthDakota. #DebForInterior

Deb Haaland tells Sen. John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), member of Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, that she is committed to consulting with Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation and all tribes.

"Tribal consultation is mandated in this government," she says. #DebForInterior

Sen. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), member of Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.

Again focuses on energy pipelines.

Lankford also serves on Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. #DebForInterior

Sen. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, asking about endangered species.

"I think the goal is to restore species," Deb Haaland says of endangered species program @Interior.

#DebForInterior

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.

Claims jobs were "killed" when President Biden canceled Keystone XL Pipeline.

#DebForInterior #NoKXL

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has exhausted his time without asking Deb Haaland an actual question at her confirmation hearing. #DebForInterior

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.

Asks about off-shore energy development, an important industry for #Mississippi. #DebForInterior

"I intend to make sure you are always part of this important conversation. You know your state far better than I ever will," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. #DebForInterior

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, claims "low-income households" will pay more in energy costs as a result of Biden administration's oil and gas policies. #DebForInterior

Deb Haaland tells Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, that her grandmother did not have full access to electricity in her Laguna Pueblo community until the 1950s. #DebForInterior

Sen. Marshall Roger (R-Kansas), a new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.

Focuses on endangered species -- prairie chickens in #Kansas.

#DebForInterior

"Sure enough, 10-year-old Roger Marshall shot his first prairie chicken. We took it back to the farm and had prairie chicken and noodles," Sen. Marshall Roger (R-Kansas), a new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, shares childhood memory. #DebForInterior

"I am all for that. We are all stewards of this land," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Marshall Roger (R-Kansas), a new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, in response to conservation efforts promoted by farmers. #DebForInterior

Sen. Marshall Roger (R-Kansas), a new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sharing another childhood memory, this time about hay hauling parties in #Kansas.

Mentions hunting on public lands in connection with water rights. #DebForInterior

"I know that water law is complicated and important," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Marshall Roger (R-Kansas), a new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. #DebForInterior

"Coming from a traditional farming family -- farming for centuries and centuries -- farming is absolutely important. It's an American tradition," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Marshall Roger (R-Kansas), new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. #DebForInterior

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.

Highlights Haaland's record of bipartisan cooperation and achievement in Congress.

#DebForInterior

"People on the Navajo Nation have to drive to fill up their water barrels. I think in 2021 everyone in America should have an opportunity to have safe and healthy drinking water. This is a human right," says Deb Haaland at confirmation hearing. #WaterIsLife #DebForInterior

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, points out that many members of committee -- Republican and Democrat alike -- come from states where tribal water issues are significant. #DebForInterior

"I think you have made the case beyond a doubt that you'll be there for rural jobs," Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, says in announcing support for confirming Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior. #DebForInterior

"I just want to thank you for coming back. I really appreciate it," Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), chairman of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, tells Deb Haaland as historic confirmation hearing appears to be coming to a close. #DebForInterior

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, says he will submit 22 questions in writing to Deb Haaland.

Haaland promises to respond to questions. #DebForInterior

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, continues to ask questions -- this is now his third round at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing. #DebForInterior

"I want to make sure you care about the law," he tells Haaland.

"If confirmed, I will seek important partnerships with states, tribes, local communities," Deb Haaland says.

"I'M TALKING ABOUT THE LAW," Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) interjects.

"I will always follow the law," Haaland says with respect to endangered species. #DebForInterior

"I want people to work," Deb Haaland tells Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), ranking member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

"Every family deserves to have a roof over their head," Haaland says.

#DebForInterior

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now asking questions at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.

This is his third round of questioning.

Daines also serves on Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

#DebForInterior

"I support the outdoor economy," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, in response to public uses of public land, including hunting, grazing and fishing. #DebForInterior

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now on her third round of questioning at Deb Haaland confirmation hearing.

As hearing appears to be wrapping up, Murkowski brings up "energy vulnerability" in #Alaska.

#DebForInterior

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, tells Deb Haaland about Native village of King Cove, where residents are seeking federal approval of a road through a national wildlife refuge. #DebForInterior #Alaska

Deb Haaland agrees to meet with residents of Native village of King Cove if confirmed as Secretary of the Interior.

"Absolutely," Haaland tells Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

#DebForInterior

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, focuses on need to make land allotments in #Alaska to Alaska Native veterans.

Deb Haaland confirmation hearing appears to be coming to an end shortly. #DebForInterior

"I look so forward to working with you. I promise to follow the law," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, in response to questions about Alaska and its unique needs. #DebForInterior

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), chairman of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, appears ready to wrap up Deb Haaland confirmation hearing but lets Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), a new member, get in another question about #Kansas. #DebForInterior

"Broadband internet is a human right," Deb Haaland tells Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), new GOP member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, in response to ensuring people in rural areas get the services they need. #DebForInterior

THE HEARING IS CLOSED!

Members of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee have until 6pm Eastern tonight to submit written questions to Deb Haaland.

#DebForInterior