Thursday, May 18, 2017

Lisa Murkowski vows to move Interior Department pick David Bernhardt to a vote quickly

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski vowed Thursday to move President Trump's nominee for Interior deputy secretary, David Bernhardt, to a vote as soon as possible, despite opposition raised by Democrats over his past experience. "I look forward to moving your name quickly through the confirmation process," the Alaska Republican said. "I think Secretary [Ryan] Zinke has a big job in front of him, and he needs a team, and I think you can be a valuable asset." Murkowski said she would move the nominee forward despite the accusations raised by Democrats at Thursday's confirmation hearing over his ties to fossil fuel and mining companies. She reminded her colleagues of two past appointees to the Interior Department under the Obama administration with similar backgrounds to Bernhardt's. "Both were confirmed with strong support of members who might otherwise be interested in raising accusations here this morning," she said after a fairly orderly confirmation hearing...more

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