House Republicans probe Deb Haaland’s ties to Pueblo Action Alliance.
House Republicans Investigate Interior Secretary Haaland’s Ties to Radical Climate Group
House Republicans are delving deeper into the relationship between Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and the Pueblo Action Alliance (PAA), a radical climate group based in New Mexico.
On Monday, Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, and Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, sent a letter to Haaland and the agency’s ethics director demanding documents related to Haaland’s involvement with the PAA.
“Alarmingly, there is evidence that Secretary Haaland misused her position for the potential benefit of a nonprofit, the Pueblo Action Alliance (PAA), and used her position — or at the very least permitted the use of her position, title, and authority — to endorse PAA and PAA’s work,” the chairmen wrote.
The letter is a follow-up to lawmakers’ initial inquiry in June. A group of House Republicans investigated Haaland’s potential conflicts of interest after her decision to restrict oil and gas development around New Mexico’s Chaco Cultural National Historical Park. The 20-year moratorium achieved a primary goal of the PAA, which employs Haaland’s daughter, Somah.
[READ: Who Is Somah Haaland, The Activist Daughter Of Biden’s Interior Secretary?]
“Secretary Haaland has purportedly met with PAA leaders during her time as Secretary of the Interior to discuss PAA’s opposition to oil and gas production on federal lands,” 11 House Republicans wrote in June. Lawmakers were “concerned with Secretary Haaland’s compliance with ethical obligations and potential conflicts of interest given PAA’s opposition to oil and gas production on federal lands, Secretary Haaland’s involvement with PAA, Somah’s work with PAA to limit domestic energy production, and the work of Secretary Haaland’s husband.”
Haaland’s husband, Skip Sayre, is the chief of sales and marketing for the Laguna Development Corporation, the “business arm” of the Laguna Pueblo, a tribe to which Haaland belongs.
In June, House Republicans requested records involving any government work with Sayre and Somah Haaland. The recent letter from Westerman and Gosar focuses on Haaland’s records related to the PAA.
“While a close relationship between Biden cabinet officials and nonprofits is not unique, Secretary Haaland’s longstanding relationship and ongoing intimacy with PAA is,” they wrote. “Thus, the Committee is concerned with Secretary Haaland’s lack of impartiality with matters concerning PAA, as well as the potential for the Secretary to misuse her position for the benefit of PAA.”
Secretary Haaland participated in a film opposing oil and gas development in the Chaco area that was released in January last year. The documentary, narrated by Somah, was at the center of an ethics complaint filed by the nonprofit watchdog Protect the Public’s Trust in August.
House Republicans also raised concerns about the PAA’s affiliation with the Venceremos Brigade (VB), a communist Cuban solidarity group. The PAA openly associates with the VB, which reportedly facilitates trips for young Americans to visit Cuba and be groomed by Cuban intelligence agents.
Somah Haaland began working with the Pueblo Action Alliance (PAA) in 2020, a New Mexico indigenous rights group that openly associates with the VB, and whose executive director, Julia Bernal, traveled with the group to Cuba the year before where it was hosted by the Institute of Friendship Along with the Peoples (ICAP), a regime sponsored organization led by one of Cuba’s most notorious spy, Fernando González Llort — and a former member of the Wasp Network who was sentenced to prison in the U.S. for espionage.
The VB often targets American activists, such as Somah. In December 2019, the PAA announced the creation of a “New Mexico contingent of the 50th anniversary Venceremos Brigade.”
About the Author
Tristan Justice is the western correspondent for The Federalist and the author of Social Justice Redux, a conservative newsletter on culture, health, and wellness. He has also written for The Washington Examiner and The Daily Signal. His work has also been featured in Real Clear Politics and Fox News. Tristan graduated from George Washington University where he majored in political science and minored in journalism. Follow him on Twitter at @JusticeTristan or contact him at [email protected]. Sign up for Tristan’s email newsletter here.
In what ways, if any, do House Republicans argue that Secretary Haaland’s relationship with the PAA differs from the relationships between other cabinet officials and nonprofits
Ated in a confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on February 23, 2021. During the hearing, Haaland faced questions from senators regarding her stance on fossil fuels and climate change. As an Indigenous woman, Haaland’s nomination was seen as historic and significant, as she could become the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary.
However, her nomination was not without controversy. Many Republicans expressed concerns about her ties to environmental and climate groups, specifically the Pueblo Action Alliance (PAA). The PAA is a radical climate group based in New Mexico that opposes oil and gas development on federal lands.
House Republicans, led by Rep. Bruce Westerman and Rep. Paul Gosar, have been investigating Haaland’s relationship with the PAA since June. They sent a letter to Haaland and the agency’s ethics director, demanding documents related to her involvement with the group. The letter accuses Haaland of potentially misusing her position as Interior Secretary to endorse and benefit the PAA.
This investigation stems from Haaland’s decision to restrict oil and gas development around New Mexico’s Chaco Cultural National Historical Park. The 20-year moratorium achieved a primary goal of the PAA, which employs Haaland’s daughter, Somah. House Republicans initially raised concerns about Haaland’s potential conflicts of interest and ethical obligations due to her daughter’s involvement with the PAA.
Furthermore, lawmakers also raised questions about Haaland’s husband, Skip Sayre, who is the chief of sales and marketing for the Laguna Development Corporation, the business arm of the Laguna Pueblo. Haaland herself is a member of the tribe. House Republicans requested records involving any government work with Sayre and Somah Haaland.
The recent letter sent by Rep. Westerman and Rep. Gosar emphasizes the ongoing intimacy between Secretary Haaland and the PAA. They express concern about her lack of impartiality and potential misuse of her position for the benefit of the PAA. The letter seeks to shed light on the extent of Haaland’s involvement with the group and any potential conflicts of interest.
It is important to note that a close relationship between cabinet officials and nonprofits is not unique. However, House Republicans argue that the extent of Haaland’s relationship with the PAA sets her apart from other cabinet officials. They believe it is imperative to investigate and ensure that Haaland remains impartial in matters concerning the PAA.
As this investigation unfolds, it is crucial to approach the matter with objectivity and fairness. The allegations brought forth by House Republicans should be thoroughly examined, and all relevant documents and records should be analyzed to determine if any ethical boundaries have been crossed. The outcome of this investigation will shape the perception and credibility of Secretary Haaland and her commitment to fulfilling her duties as Interior Secretary.
While it is essential to hold public officials accountable, it is also crucial to recognize the significant role Secretary Haaland plays as the first Native American to hold the position of Interior Secretary. Her historic nomination and the potential impact she can have in addressing climate change and promoting conservation cannot be overlooked. Ultimately, it is in the best interest of the American people that this investigation is conducted diligently and fairly, with the goal of upholding ethical standards and maintaining public trust.
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