The Senate confirmed David Bernhardt, a former lobbyist and Interior Department veteran, to serve as the agency's 53rd secretary by a 56-41 vote on Thursday, rejecting ethics concerns raised by Democrats
The Senate confirmed David Bernhardt, a former lobbyist and Interior Department veteran, to serve as the agency's 53rd secretary by a 56-41 vote on Thursday, rejecting ethics concerns raised by Democrats.
Bernhardt won bipartisan backing from the chamber despite concerns that he has conflicts of interests related to past lobbying clients, criticism that he failed to keep adequate records, and worries about the department’s plans to expand offshore drilling along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Florida Republicans Sens.
Sen. Susan Collins told POLITICO she decided to back Bernhardt after receiving written assurances about his plans concerning offshore drilling. Over in the House, Natural Resources Chairman Raúl Grijalva told POLITICO last week he wants Bernhardt to testify "as soon as" possible upon confirmation and last week requested a host of documents from Bernhardt’s former lobbying client about their coordination on endangered species issues.
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