Heinrich says panel chair Lee broke protocol on Burgum hearing

Source: Roll Call

Posted January 8, 2025 at 11:31am


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.” Heinrich urged Lee to reconsider his decision and said he would not consent to the notice of nomination until these documents have been submitted.

Lee’s office did not immediately return a request for comment. The Trump transition has initially expressed skepticism that FBI background checks were necessary for its nominees, but agreed to them after senators, including Republican Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, said they were necessary to receive her support. Doug Burgum previously served as the governor of North Dakota from 2016 until December.

Read more: https://rollcall.com/2025/01/08/heinrich-says-panel-chair-lee-broke-protocol-on-burgum-hearing/