Dear John,

The federal government has a lot of work ahead when it comes to addressing the urgent crises of this moment, including the coronavirus crisis that has claimed the lives of more than 500,000 Americans; the opportunity crisis that is making it harder and harder for working families to keep the lights on; and the climate crisis that is responsible for increasingly extreme natural disasters, like the storms that hit Oregon and Texas this month.

If we’re going to address these problems, we need to make sure that we have strong, bold, and compassionate leaders at the helm of our government departments and agencies. That’s why I was pleased to meet this week with President Biden’s nominee to lead the Interior Department, Representative Deb Haaland, and why I’m proud to support her historic nomination.

It’s long past time for a Native woman to join the Cabinet and run the department that carries out the federal trust responsibility toward tribes. Her lifetime of service gives me every confidence that she will do everything in her power to take crucial steps at Interior to defend our public lands and our planet. 

I have full faith that she will put the health, safety, and well-being of our communities and environment above the wish lists of megapolluting corporations that have spent the last four years ransacking our precious lands and waters. That couldn’t be more important right now, as we set out to make up for lost time and tackle the climate crisis head on in the hopes of avoiding its worst consequences.

I look forward to continuing to work with her throughout her confirmation process and in the administration, and will be sure to keep you updated on our work to protect our environment and support tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

All my best,
Jeff