Manuel Lujan Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Manuel Lujan Jr.
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| 46th United States Secretary of the Interior | |
| In office February 3, 1989 – January 20, 1993 |
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| President | George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Donald P. Hodel |
| Succeeded by | Bruce Babbitt |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Mexico's 1st district |
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| In office January 3, 1969 – January 3, 1989 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas G. Morris |
| Succeeded by | Steven Schiff |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Manuel Archibald Lujan Jr.
May 12, 1928 San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Died | April 25, 2019 (aged 90) Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Jean Lujan |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent |
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| Relatives | Michelle Lujan Grisham (second cousin, twice removed) |
| Education | College of Santa Fe (BA) |
Manuel Archibald Lujan Jr. (born May 12, 1928 – died April 25, 2019) was an American politician from New Mexico. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican from 1969 to 1989. Later, he became the United States Secretary of the Interior from 1989 to 1993. He worked alongside George H. W. Bush in the House before Bush became president. In 1989, President Bush chose Lujan to join his Cabinet.
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Early Life and Education
Manuel Lujan Jr. was born in San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico. His parents were Manuel A. Lujan Sr. and Lorenzita (Romero) Lujan. His father was also a politician, serving as mayor of Santa Fe.
Manuel Jr. went to Catholic schools in Santa Fe. He later attended Saint Mary's College of California in 1946. He graduated from the St. Michael's College in Santa Fe in 1950.
Political Journey
After finishing college, Lujan worked for his family's insurance business. His father had started the Manuel Lujan Agencies in 1925.
Lujan decided to follow his father into politics. His first attempt was in 1964, when he ran for the New Mexico State Senate but did not win. Three years later, he helped create the Republican National Hispanic Assembly. This group supports Hispanic people in the Republican Party.
After his first try, Lujan never lost another election. In 1968, he won against the current Congressman, Thomas G. Morris. He then served in the U.S. Congress for the next 20 years.
Time in Congress
During the 1970s, Lujan was re-elected many times. He became known as a friendly and quiet member of Congress. He focused on issues important to western U.S. states. These included matters related to Native American tribes, expanding nuclear power, and allowing people to use federal lands for business and fun. In 1978, Lujan was the first Hispanic Republican to join the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. This group works on issues important to Hispanic communities.
The 1980s brought new challenges for Lujan. In 1980, he almost lost his seat to Bill Richardson. After that, New Mexico gained a third congressional district. Lujan's district changed a lot. It became more urban, including most of Albuquerque. Because of these changes, Lujan shifted his focus in Congress. He became the top Republican on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.
Lujan also represented New Mexico at every Republican National Convention from 1972 to 2004. These conventions are where the Republican Party officially chooses its candidates for president and vice president.
Secretary of the Interior (1989–1993)
For many years, people thought Lujan might become the Interior Secretary. This job involves managing most federal lands and natural resources. When George H. W. Bush became president, he asked Lujan to take the job. Lujan first said no, but changed his mind after President Bush personally asked him.
Lujan was seen as a moderate choice for the role. He was confirmed by the Senate without much opposition in February 1989. Some environmental groups did criticize his past voting record in Congress.
Key Issues as Secretary
Early in his term, some people criticized Lujan for his relaxed approach to policy. He also sometimes made mistakes in his speeches. For example, he once admitted he didn't know much about federal royalty payments for minerals.
Lujan led a group studying offshore oil drilling. He strongly supported drilling off the California coast. This caused some lawmakers and the governor of California to ask him to step down from the group. They felt he was not fair. Lujan did not step down. He also opposed efforts to stop offshore drilling after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989.
Lujan also had strong opinions about the Endangered Species Act. In 1990, he said the law was "too tough." He questioned if it was necessary to "save every subspecies" of animal. The Bush administration later clarified its position, saying it supported the law.
Later Years as Secretary
As his term continued, Lujan gained more respect. He handled issues like the protection of the spotted owl and the building of the Washington Commanders NFL Football Team stadium. He also worked on increasing rules for Indian casinos. Lujan was generally praised for how he managed Native American affairs. This was an area he had been interested in since his time in Congress.
After leaving the Interior Department, Lujan described his job as full of challenges. He said, "No one is satisfied." He explained that if you support development, environmental groups get upset. If you support the environment, industry groups get upset. Lujan felt he successfully found a balance between using resources on public lands and protecting the environment.
After Washington
After his time as Interior Secretary, many thought Lujan would run for Governor of New Mexico in 1994. However, he quickly said he was "through running" for office.
Lujan then worked as a lobbyist, speaking to lawmakers on behalf of different groups. He also gave public speeches. In 2004, he started the Hispanic Alliance for Progress Institute. This group focuses on economic and family issues from a Hispanic viewpoint.
The Interior Department now gives out the "Manuel Lujan Jr. Champion Award" each year. This award honors employees who do outstanding work for the department. Also, the Bureau of Indian Affairs building in Albuquerque is named after Lujan.
Manuel Lujan Jr. died from heart failure on April 25, 2019, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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