Rep. Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) became the first Native American woman to sit in the House Speaker's chair as she presided over a floor debate on a voting rights and campaign finance bill.
"You can watch the 1st time a Native American woman has sat in the Speaker's chair," Haaland tweeted.
You can watch the 1st time a Native American woman has sat in the Speaker's chair ↓ #indigenizecongress #ForThePeople https://t.co/sqhzgnJ9XL
— Rep. Deb HaalandDebra HaalandThe Hill's Convention Report: Biden's big night | Steve Bannon's fall | Pelosi weighs in on Mass. Senate primary Lawmakers of color urge Democratic leadership to protect underserved communities in coronavirus talks Michelle Obama wishes Barack a happy birthday: 'My favorite guy' MORE (@RepDebHaaland) March 7, 2019
"Congresswoman Haaland will preside over the House Floor during debate of the For the People Act, transformative legislation that seeks to end corruption in politics and ensure fair access to the ballot box," said a statement from Haaland's office.
"Haaland is a long-time organizer who has worked to increase access to the ballot box in New Mexico and particularly in Indian Country and rural areas for nearly twenty years," the statement said.
Haaland was also one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress. She and Rep. Sharice Davids
Sharice DavidsGOP leader says he doesn't want Chamber's endorsement: 'They have sold out' US Chamber of Commerce set to endorse 23 House freshman Democrats Amanda Adkins wins GOP primary to challenge Rep. Sharice Davids MORE (D-Kan.) were elected in 2018 and became the first Native American congresswomen in January.
Davids celebrated Haaland's achievement with a tweet.
"Watching my friend, @RepDebHaaland, become the first Native American woman to sit in the Speaker’s chair and preside over the House Floor. #RepresentationMatters," she wrote.
Updated at 4:03 p.m.