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8.14pm GMT
The Senate has confirmed Tom Vilsack to be the next secretary of agriculture, in a vote of 92 to 7.
Confirmed, 92-7: Executive Calendar #7 Thomas J. Vilsack to be Secretary of Agriculture @USDA
7.56pm GMT
Deb Haaland, seeking to make history as the first Native American to hold a cabinet secretary position in the US, weathered a torrent of hostile questioning from Republicans during her confirmation hearing as secretary of the interior.
In a striking opening statement, Haaland, a member of Congress for New Mexico, said “the historic nature of my confirmation is not lost on me, but I will say that it is not about me”, adding that she hoped her elevation would “be an inspiration for Americans, moving forward together as one nation and creating opportunities for all of us”.
Related: Deb Haaland faces hostile Republican questioning in confirmation hearing