FOX 1: Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) accuses Democrats of “delaying and obstructing” President-elect Trump’s top energy nominees in his administration. are.
“Senate Democrats have once again shown that delaying and obstructing the incoming Trump administration is a top priority,” Lee said in an exclusive statement.
“Documents for Governor Doug Burgum and Governor Chris Wright have been submitted to the Office of Government Ethics by their respective agencies. The approval process is proceeding smoothly, ensuring that these candidates have been thoroughly vetted and prepared. The Energy and Natural Resources Commission has followed all regulations in notifying approval hearings.
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Mike Lee claimed his Democratic opponents were trying to delay Trump’s nomination confirmation hearings. (Reuters)
“This is the same party that pushed forward with confirmation hearings for President Obama’s nominee in 2009 in much the same circumstances. While Democrats drag, Republicans move forward and the American people expect more from us.” We’re doing our job. It’s time for the Senate.” Democrats should treat this moment with the seriousness it requires. ”
The Utah Republican responded to claims by Martin Heinrich, the committee’s ranking Democrat, that Trump’s nominee for energy secretary, Chris Wright, CEO and founder of Liberty Energy, and North Dakota He suggested adjusting the schedule for the governor’s confirmation hearing. Doug Burgum, President Trump’s pick for Interior Secretary, violated protocol.
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Heinrich this week said Lee set up Burgum’s hearing without the consent of the committee’s minority, pushing back against “a violation of decades of Senate protocol and precedent.”
“I am extremely disappointed that Chairman Lee, over my objections, scheduled his first confirmation hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee before basic information had been provided to the committee. I think this is because the committee chairs of both parties “This is a violation of protocols and precedents established over a decade,” Heinrich said after Burgum’s confirmation hearing was officially set for Jan. 14 by Lee. said in a statement on Wednesday.
President Trump selected Burgum to lead the Interior Department. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
He issued a second statement Thursday after Wright’s confirmation hearing was officially scheduled for Jan. 15.
The senator said, “For the second time, Chairman Lee failed to receive information from candidates as required by law, including FBI background checks and submission of financial reports, and without complying with committee rules.” It is with great regret that I became aware that nomination hearings will be held.”
“The documents that the Energy and Natural Resources Democratic Party does not have are not just paperwork. These are documents, disclosures, and () ethics agreements that are required by our committee rules and the law,” Heinrich said. said.
But Lee, who took over the role of committee chairman after Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) was elected Senate Majority Whip, said his actions were in line with the committee’s precedent.
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Mr. Lee will become the new Energy Committee Chairman. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images)
He also insisted that Trump is in “full compliance” with all rules when it comes to setting up confirmation hearings for his picks for key energy roles.
Mr. Heinrich accused Mr. Lee of violating precedent, but a similar scenario played out under President Barack Obama’s administration in 2009. Confirmation hearings for former Departments of Energy and Interior Secretary Stephen Chu and Ken Salazar were announced by former Department of Energy Chairman Jeff Bingaman before all documents were received.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a Democratic committee spokesperson said, “Despite the committee considering dozens of nominees, these events are unique examples of this timeline. There is,” he said.
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In 2009, some of President Obama’s nominees followed a similar schedule. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
“Furthermore, unlike the public hearings of which Chairman Lee was made aware, the Committee received Dr. Chu and Mr. Salazar’s disclosures only one day after the notice was issued. However, the committee has not yet received any information.”The necessary documents are not available, but there is no guarantee that they will be received in time for the hearing.”
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Lee’s take on Heinrich’s criticism was that Democrats “want to confuse requirements that generally apply to notification and nomination.”
“Rest assured, Republicans will continue to follow all committee rules,” he said.
Julia Johnson is a political writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, where she leads coverage of the U.S. Senate. She previously served as a political reporter for the Washington Examiner.
Follow Julia’s reporting on X. @juliaajohnson_ Send your tips to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.
