Haaland takes office
Norwegian American Deb Haaland makes history as one of the first Native American women in US Congress
Photo courtesy of the office of Congresswoman Deb Haaland
Congresswoman Deb Haaland wears traditional Pueblo dress on the first day of the 116th Congress.
Felicia Salazar
Office of Congresswoman Deb Haaland
Editor’s note: Though celebrated primarily for her Native American heritage, we Norwegian Americans are also proud to claim Deb Haaland, whose Norwegian father gave her that distinctive surname.
On Jan. 3, Congresswoman Deb Haaland took a historic oath of office as one the two first Native-American women in Congress. Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna, will represent the First Congressional District of New Mexico in the 116th Congress.
“I can’t wait to bring New Mexico values to Congress. As the representative for the families in the state’s first congressional district, I will be an advocate for renewable energy jobs to protect our land, air and water, a fighter to build opportunities for our kids, and a champion for equity,” said Haaland.
Prior to being sworn in, Congresswoman Deb Haaland was elected as the Freshman Class Representative to the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, House Democratic Region VI Whip (Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona) and appointed as Deputy Whip for the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
This article originally appeared in the January 11, 2019, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
