The historic nomination of Rep. Deb Haaland (D-New Mexico) to be Secretary of the Interior inches forward in the U.S. Senate on March 9, 2021.

As promised, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-New York), the majority leader in the Senate, filed a cloture motion that was signed by 17 members of the chamber. The move prepares the way for a procedural vote on Haaland's nomination to lead the Department of the Interior.

The Senate will first clear the motion by a simple majority vote. Then a final vote on Haaland must be taken before she is formally confirmed as the first Native person in the Cabinet of President Joe Biden.

The final vote is expected to occur on Monday, March 15. Haaland could then be sworn as Secretary soon after.

Cover photo courtesy House Committee on Natural Resources, Democrats:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/naturalresourcesdems/48001851787/