Senate Energy and Natural Resources ranking member Martin Heinrich on Wednesday accused Chairman Mike Lee of violating the chamber’s “precedent and protocol” when planning a confirmation hearing for Interior secretary nominee Doug Burgum next week.
In a statement, Heinrich, D-N.M., said Lee, R-Utah, issued a hearing notice for January 14 despite several documents concerning Burgum remaining outstanding: a completed financial disclosure form, approval from the Interior Department’s ethics office and a completed FBI background check.
“I am extremely disappointed that Chairman Lee has scheduled the first Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee confirmation hearing over my objection and before basic information has been given to the Committee,” Heinrich said. “This is a breach of protocol and precedent, established over decades by Chairs of both parties.”