Rep. Haaland

Republicans on the Senate Energy Committee didn't deliver a make or break moment as they went after the nomination of ABQ Dem Congresswoman Deb Haaland for Secretary of Interior at her confirmation hearing Tuesday. But their repeated drilling down on complex issues facing the department revealed anew the symbolic nature of the Haaland appointment--as the first Native American to serve in a presidential cabinet--not someone who is going to be barking orders or pushing back against the White House on policy. (Full hearing here.)

Haaland repeatedly deferred to the new president's policies when confronted with her progressive (and often controversial) stances in favor of banning oil fracking and new oil pipelines. She didn't disavow those positions but said they are not those of the president's and that is what will guide her as secretary.

Haaland repeatedly told the GOP questioners that she would "study" and "be briefed" on a wide array of issues, even though she was nominated by Biden over two months ago. That broadbrush response would probably not be acceptable for another nominee, but again the massive symbolism (or identity politics) surrounding this nomination has given Haaland more leeway than a run of the mill appointment and she took full advantage of it. 

The Dems exercised a deft political move when they had legendary Alaska GOP Rep. Don Young, the longest serving GOP member of the House (50 years!) and a master of Interior issues, introduce Haaland to the committee along with Sen. Martin Heinrich. Young's support may have dampened the enthusiasm of the Haaland opposition. 

Also, there were more high profile cabinet confirmation hearings being held at the same time as hers (attorney general and HHS Secretary) and that meant banning fracking was not going to be an excitable headline in the national media.

Other takeaways from the first round of the hearing with the second round today at 8 a.m. NM time. (Stream here.)

--As Haaland repeatedly told the Senators she would defer to the White House on key decisions, a GOP lawmaker reminded the nominee that she would be asked to make recommendation on those issues, not just play along. That revealed the challenge ahead for Haaland to distinguish herself as secretary beyond being a symbolic first. 

--Haaland's non-confrontational demeanor served her well when her positions were challenged. She was careful not to pick a fight that could ramp up opposition in the full Senate which is evenly divided between R's and D's and who must confirm her appointment after Senate Energy. 

Van der Heide

--Haaland's generalized answers put insiders on notice that staff power will be significant at Haaland's Interior. That points to Jennifer Van der Heide who the Biden administration recently named Chief of staff at Interior. Until then, she was Chief of Staff to Rep. Haaland. Van der Heide is an attorney with deep experience in tribal policy and is seen as an important player in securing Haaland's nomination. And if anything left of center is going to get out of Interior, Van der Heide's fingerprints will be on it. 

--Members of the committee were an impressive bunch. From Dem Sens. Manchin and Wyden to R's Barrasso and Daines, there were no slouches. All were at the top of their games and Haaland had to take notice. She's a relative newcomer to that kind of lion's den but she handled it with humility. Asked by Chairman Manchin whether she would be willing to come back today for a second round of questions, she replied: "I'll do whatever you want me to." That had to be music to the senatorial ears. 

While Haaland was testifying the campaign to take her congressional seat continued. Dem Victor Reyes announced that Sec. of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver will do a Facebook event with him tonight at 6 p.m. And Dem Antoinette Sedillo Lopez has been endorsed by the Adelante Progressive Caucus. 

In blogging about MLG's contingency fund purchase of expensive Wagyu beef, much of which is imported from Japan, reader Bob Owen chimes in:

The Guv Mansion Wagyu was purchased at a Santa Fe grocery store and is indeed likely of the homegrown variety. But then with rich guys like Alan Webber and Jerry Peters hanging out up there, it might be the imported stuff. (Hey fellas, we're free for lunch.)

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