Today on the Hill: Senate to Confirm Bernhardt As Interior Secretary

Senators are set to wrap up their legislative work week today and leave town for a two-week district work period. On the floor, the Senate will hold a confirmation vote on Acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt’s nomination to lead the department permanently. Bernhardt’s nomination is expected to pass despite concerns from lawmakers about possible conflicts of interest and the Interior Department’s plans for opening U.S. coasts to oil and gas drilling. House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) stated that he plans to call Bernhardt to testify before his committee once confirmed as part of ongoing oversight investigations into policy decisions shepherded by former Secretary Ryan Zinke. 

In the House, lawmakers have left town for a two-week district work period. The lower chamber will return to Washington on Monday, April 29.