Joe Biden has picked Rep. Deb Haaland to serve as Interior secretary

She would be the first Native American to serve in a Cabinet role.

Published: December 17, 2020 3:40pm

Updated: December 17, 2020 4:46pm

Joe Biden has chosen Rep. Deb Haaland to serve as secretary of the Department of the Interior, according to reports.

The 60-year-old New Mexico Democrat, who was reelected to Congress in November, will be the nation's first Native American to head a Cabinet position, if she gets confirmed by the Senate to serve in the post.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York hailed the pick on Twitter: "Historic appointment. A visionary Native woman in charge of federal lands. Unequivocally progressive. Green New Deal champion. Exquisitely experienced. @RepDebHaaland sister, you are going to do such a great job. I am so proud of you and the movement," the congresswoman tweeted.

President Trump has not conceded to Biden in the 2020 presidential election contest.