Senate Energy and Natural Resources ranking member Martin Heinrich is accusing Chair Mike Lee of breaching “protocol and precedent” over a hearing for President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Interior secretary.
Heinrich said Lee wants to hold a hearing on Burgum next Tuesday, without the committee having received all the relevant paperwork.
“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,” Heinrich said.
Heinrich, a New Mexico Democrat, said nominees usually submit responses to a questionnaire, complete a financial disclosure form, get approval from ethics officials and go through an FBI check.
