Deb Haaland, U.S. Secretary of the Interior and former congresswoman from New Mexico, recently used her social media platform to address a range of policy issues, including healthcare expansion, food assistance programs, and the impact of government shutdowns.
On November 6, 2025, Haaland posted about the legislative achievements under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s leadership: "Nancy Pelosi steered Congress to expand healthcare for millions of Americans, protect DREAMERS, ensure equality of our LGBTQ+ community, and safeguard our democracy. She was my Speaker of the House, and I am honored to have been a part of the great work that she led Democrats to".
Later that day, Haaland criticized former President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers regarding food assistance policy: "Food should never be a bargaining chip. But Trump and Republicans tried to hold it hostage. Thousands of New Mexicans, and millions across the country, rely on SNAP to put food on the table. We won’t let them play games with people’s lives."
On November 7, 2025, Haaland addressed the effects of an ongoing government shutdown: "This is the longest government shutdown in history forcing New Mexicans to file for unemployment. Trump and Republican leaders are failing our families. It’s time to end this and stop holding food and healthcare hostage."
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal aid program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps low-income individuals and families purchase food. During previous government shutdowns in recent years, disruptions in funding threatened timely distribution of SNAP benefits to millions nationwide.
The 2018-2019 federal government shutdown was the longest in U.S. history at 35 days. It led many affected workers—including those in New Mexico—to seek unemployment benefits as paychecks were delayed or halted during that period.
Haaland has been an advocate for expanding access to healthcare and social safety net programs throughout her career in public service.
