Heinrich Issues Statement on Concerning Breach of Protocol and Precedent by Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Ahead of Cabinet Nomination Hearing

Hearing notice issued last night by Chairman Lee fails to include minority consent, a breach of decades-long Senate protocol and precedent

Committee has yet to receive essential information from nominees, including a completed financial disclosure form and completion of an FBI background check, to fulfill Senate's advice and consent constitutional duties

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, issued the following statement after Chairman Lee issued a hearing notice of Governor Doug Burgum for consideration as Secretary of U.S. Interior next Tuesday, January 14, without minority consent - a breach of precedent and protocol established over decades by Chairs of both parties.

Additionally, the Committee has yet to receive a number of documents essential to fulfill the Senate's advice and consent constitutional duties.

"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. This is a breach of protocol and precedent, established over decades by Chairs of both parties.

"The Senate has a constitutional duty to advise and, if it determines, consent to the President's nominees. This requires careful consideration of each nominee. To achieve this, for decades, nominees that have come before the ENR Committee have submitted responses to a standard questionnaire and a completed financial disclosure form, approval from the Department's ethics office, and completion of an FBI background check. Until these steps have been completed, I will not consent to notice of nomination hearings.

"Every nominee, every party, every administration should be subject to the same standards. I would urge Chairman Lee to reconsider his decision."

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