Heinrich objects to quick scheduling of Burgum confirmation hearing, alleging protocol breach

The top Democrat on the Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee says Republicans scheduled Doug Burgum’s confirmation hearing without their consent, which he called a breach of the Senate’s protocol.

Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) said he is objecting to the hearing because his office has not yet received key information from Burgum, who President-elect Trump will nominate to lead the Interior Department. 

The missing information includes Burgum’s disclosure form, evidence that he underwent an FBI background check, approval from the Interior Department’s ethics office and responses to a standard questionnaire, according to Heinrich.

The Democrat accused his counterpart, committee Chairman Mike Lee (R-Utah), of scheduling the hearing despite objections from the minority party. 

“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 in a written statement.

“This is a breach of protocol and precedent, established over decades by Chairs of both parties,” he added. 

Lee’s office issued a notice that Burgum’s hearing will take place on Tuesday morning. 

The office did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment. The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a question about why Heinrich’s office had not received Burgum’s information. 

If Burgum is confirmed, he will be the top official over the Interior Department, which has jurisdiction over federal lands and waters, including whether to develop energy there. Of Trump’s nominees, he is not considered particularly controversial.