Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Mike Lee is plowing ahead with a confirmation hearing next week for Doug Burgum — President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Interior secretary — despite strong objections from the panel’s top Democrat.
The Utah Republican also unilaterally scheduled a hearing for Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright, whom Trump nominated for Energy secretary, for next Wednesday, according to an internal committee notice reviewed by POLITICO’s E&E News.
The status of EPA nominee Lee Zeldin’s hearing, expected to take place next week before the Environment and Public Works Committee, remained unclear.
The spat between the ENR leaders comes as Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is pressing his chairs to act fast in confirming Trump’s selections.
