WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), issued the following statement on the Senate’s vote to confirm the nomination of Rep. Debra Haaland to be secretary of interior. Barrasso was unable to vote against Rep. Haaland’s nomination due to flight cancellations caused by the severe snowstorm in Wyoming.

“Representative Haaland’s extreme policy views, lack of substantive answers during the confirmation process, and full support for President Biden’s war on American energy disqualify her for the job of Interior Secretary,” said Barrasso. “Her views on American energy fly in the face of the mission of the Department of the Interior - the agency she will now lead. I oppose her nomination and will continue to fight to protect America’s energy workers and energy dominance.” 

Background Information:

On March 11, 2021, Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to Rep. Haaland’s nomination. He stated: “If she is allowed to implement her Green New Deal-inspired policies at the Department of the Interior, the results for America’s energy supply and economy will be catastrophic.” 

On March 4, 2021, Barrasso voted against Rep. Haaland’s nomination during a committee business meeting.

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