Azure Notes Disappointment In Haaland Nomination Concerns

Fort Peck Tribal Chairman Floyd Azure is disappointed that about 15 U.S. House representatives have reportedly requested President Joe Biden to withdraw his nomination of Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., as the lead of the Department of the Interior.

If confirmed, Haaland will be the country’s first Native American Cabinet secretary.

The Montana Post first reported that U.S. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., was one of the representatives requesting Biden withdraws his nomination for Haaland.

“I think he’s just playing politics with that,” Azure said of Rosendale. “I think it’s a racial thing. I have to say that, because that’s what I think.”

The letter from the House representatives states that Haaland supports the Green New Deal which will result in the loss of quality, high-wage jobs in oil and gas, aviation, mining, logging and other sectors.

“Nominating Rep. Haaland is a direct threat to working men and women and a rejection of responsible development of America’s natural resources,” the letter said.

Azure said about Haaland, “She knows what it’s like to live on a reservation. We haven’t had a voice like that.”

Fox News reported that Haaland has repeatedly called for an all-out ban on fracking for extracting oil.

No date has been scheduled yet for Haaland’s confirmation hearing.