With Democrats demanding full consideration of President Trump’s cabinet nominees, the Senate is expected to vote Wednesday at mid-morning on the nomination of Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke for Interior secretary. He would win confirmation easily, if the 67-31 vote on Monday to limit debate on the nomination is an indicator.
“Zinke is not considered a top target for Democrats,” said The Hill newspaper. Sen. Jon Tester, Montana Democrat, praised Zinke before the cloture vote for pledging to oppose large-scale sales of federal land, which would put him at odds with other Republicans. The Hill quoted Tester as saying, “I feel confident that Congressman Zinke will handle issues before him with Montana common sense.”
Meanwhile, Greenwire reported the Trump administration “is looking to slash 10 percent from the Interior Department budget in fiscal 2018,” according to several sources.
To read an Ag Insider story about Zinke and his views on Interior Department issues, click here.