Senate confirms GOP lawyer for No. 2 role at Interior
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Monday confirmed David Bernhardt, a lawyer and former Interior Department official, as deputy Interior secretary, second in command to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.
The vote was 53-43. Democrats had criticized Bernhardt, saying he continued to advise a California water district even after he withdrew his formal registration as a lobbyist last year.
Republicans called Bernhardt a capable lawyer with vast experience on issues important to the West, including endangered species, water use and development of public lands. Bernhardt was Interior’s top lawyer in the George W. Bush administration.
A spokeswoman said Zinke was “excited to have David Bernhardt, a highly-qualified, veteran official, return to the department to help advance ‘America First’ policy priorities” set by Trump.