Heinrich says Energy and Natural Resources panel chair Lee broke protocol on Burgum hearing

David Jordan, CQ-Roll Call on Jan 8, 2025

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WASHINGTON — 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 Jan. 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. He has been one of the less controversial Trump nominees, earning praise from moderate Republicans, including Murkowski. In addition to serving as Interior secretary, which oversees the nation’s public lands, Trump said Burgum would lead a newly formed National Energy Council.