Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee advances Burgum, Wright nominations to Senate floor

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on a markup vote reported two presidential nominees to the full Senate: Gov. Doug Burgum to be secretary of the interior and Chris Wright to be secretary of energy. The committee approved Burgum by a roll-call vote of 18–2 and Wright by a roll-call vote of 15–6. The committee also amended Rule 6(b) of its rules to increase the quorum for reporting legislation from 10 to 11 members; that change was adopted by unanimous consent.

Why it matters: The committee action sends both nominations to the Senate floor for consideration by the full Senate. Committee debate highlighted sharp differences among senators over climate policy, energy technology, the pace of regulatory rollbacks, tribal consultation, and cleanup of the Hanford nuclear site — issues that senators said will shape how each nominee would run their respective departments if confirmed.

Committee action and votes The committee adopted a technical amendment to Rule 6(b) by unanimous consent to reflect the committee’s increased membership and the corresponding quorum…