While Bernhard's confirmation is nearly guaranteed in the GOP-led Senate, the exchange underscores the opposition he may face from Senate Democrats. The line of questioning revealed the potential questions Bernhardt could continue to face even if he gets the top job at Interior. Already in his time at Interior, he has “had to recuse himself from matters directly affecting at least 26 former clients to adhere to the Trump administration’s ethics requirements. As a former solicitor at the Interior Department during the Bush administration, Bernhardt brings considerable legal expertise to his current role. Now under Trump, Bernhardt is proposing a rule that would make it easier for development to take place in the habitats of endangered species.

Source: Washington Post March 29, 2019 12:56 UTC