Interior secretary nominee could mean big things for Guam

President-Elect Joe Biden's historic nominee for interior secretary could be a big boost to Guam. New Mexico congresswoman Deb Haaland is the first-ever Native American cabinet secretary. She will be the top federal official with oversight over the territories.

Congressman Michael San Nicolas says he has worked closely with her in the past, and says he's very excited about her nomination. Guam's delegate told KUAM News, "She's a really good friend; we were very, very close as incoming freshmen, she actually was very instrumental in helping Guam get a seat on the financial services committee. We served together on the natural resources committee, particularly on the subcommittee on indigenous people. And we backed each other up numerous times."

He added, "We're very excited about her serving as our interior secretary, and we're very excited about the doors that's going to open for Guam, with us being able to work as closely as we have, and being able to work as closely as we hope to do in her new capacity."

In a press release from President-Elect Biden's transition team, Haaland was described as a "barrier-breaking public servant who has spent her career fighting for families, including in Tribal nations, rural communities and communities of color.