Political Quotes

“I thank the Chair. Madam President, I rise today to speak about the Bernhardt nomination to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior. The Deputy Secretary plays an important role in forming and carrying out the administration's policy on a broad range of issues. These issues include our Nation's public lands, our national parks, our national wildlife refuges, our water resources, mineral and energy development on public lands and Federal waters, carrying out our trust responsibilities to our Tribal nations, and working with our territories and Freely Associated States. The Deputy Secretary also performs very important functions as it relates to the Secretary or in the Secretary's absence. In virtually all matters, the Deputy Secretary has the authority of the Secretary. That is why I look at this position with such an important critique, because we know in past positions there have been conflicts, and we know we have important policies to discuss, and we need to make sure we have no conflicts of interest. I have made no secret that I have concerns about this nomination. Mr. Bernhardt is no stranger to this body and he is no stranger to the Department of the Interior. He held a number of senior political positions in the Department during the Bush administration beginning in 2006. After leaving the Department in 2009, he returned to a successful private practice.…”