Heinrich grandstands over Trump Cabinet pick

Senate Energy and Natural Resources ranking member Martin Heinrich, a far-left Democrat from New Mexico, is once again using his platform to grandstand, this time accusing Committee Chair Mike Lee of Utah of violating “protocol and precedent” over the scheduling of a confirmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Interior secretary, former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.

In a statement rife with indignation, Heinrich lamented Lee’s decision to hold the hearing next Tuesday without all the necessary paperwork being submitted. “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 declared.

Heinrich, whose record is characterized by obstructionism and environmental extremism, claimed that nominees traditionally submit a questionnaire, financial disclosures, ethics approvals, and undergo an FBI check before hearings proceed. He refused to budge, stating, “Until these steps have been completed, I will not consent to notice of nomination hearings. Every nominee, every party, every administration should be subject to the same standards. I would urge Chairman Lee to reconsider his decision.”

Lee has not responded publicly to Heinrich’s objections, but the senator’s tactics appear to be a continuation of his pattern of attempting to stall progress under Republican leadership.

Meanwhile, Burgum has taken the high road, recently meeting with Heinrich and describing the interaction in positive terms. “Just really fun to talk to someone like Sen. Heinrich,” Burgum said, in part, graciously acknowledging New Mexico’s energy production success while joking about North Dakota’s place behind the state in national rankings.

If confirmed, Burgum would oversee public lands and wildlife conservation while holding significant influence over oil and gas leasing. A staunch advocate for expanding energy production and slashing overreaching environmental regulations, Burgum is expected to face opposition from Heinrich and his Democratic colleagues. However, his credentials as a two-term governor of an energy-rich state and his lack of scandal have garnered bipartisan respect, making his confirmation likely.

As part of his role, Burgum has been informally dubbed Trump’s “energy czar,” tasked with delivering on the administration’s promises of boosting domestic energy production and dismantling red tape that hinders industry growth.

While Heinrich’s obstructionist stance might score him points with his left-wing base, it does little to address the bipartisan concerns of American energy independence and conservation. His theatrics stand in stark contrast to Burgum’s pragmatic and solutions-focused approach, which is likely to resonate during the confirmation process.

In addition to Burgum, Heinrich is also expected to meet with Trump’s Department of Energy nominee, Chris Wright, later this week. Separately, hearings for EPA pick Lee Zeldin and other Trump nominees are moving forward, signaling that the administration’s efforts to enact its energy and environmental policies remain on track despite Heinrich’s predictable roadblocks.