Senate Confirms Former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate confirmed former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior today by a vote of 79 to 18.
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement after voting in favor of Burgum’s nomination:
“Doug Burgum is tailor-made for the Secretary of the Interior,”saidCramer.“North Dakota embodies Teddy Roosevelt’s multiple use doctrine for public lands, balancing energy development, ranching, conservation, and recreation on some of the most beautiful, productive landscapes in the nation. Doug’s leadership in North Dakota and coordination with our tribes are models for our nation. He has a lot of work to do righting the ship, but his consensus-driven leadership style is up to the task.”

During Burgum’s confirmation hearing earlier this month, Cramerhelpedintroduce Burgum to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Cramer noted,“He is not just an oil man from an oil and gas producing state. He is first and foremost a conservationist.”
Prior to the confirmation hearing, Cramerspokeon the Senate floor, describing Burgum as embodying“the Theodore Roosevelt spirit North Dakota loves. He understands the delicate balance between energy development, working lands, and stewardship better than anyone, and is committed to it. His Teddy Roosevelt ethos will surely be a model for his service as Secretary of the Interior.”
Burgum’s nomination passed out of committee with a bipartisan vote of 18 to 2. Cramer highlighted Burgum’s deep relationships with tribal leaders in North Dakota, and read an excerpt from a letter of support from Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Chairwoman Janet Alkire. In the letter, she praised Burgum saying,“He understands the importance of honoring traditional values and culture, promoting family first, remembering who we are and where we came from, the struggles we endure, and community wellness.”