04.11.19

Hoeven Statement on Confirmation of David Bernhardt as Interior Secretary

Senator Working to Maintain Multiple Uses of Federal Land, Establish New BIA Law Enforcement Training Center in North Dakota

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, today issued the following statement after David Bernhardt was confirmed by the full Senate as the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. 

“David Bernhardt has a strong background and the right experience to serve as Secretary of the Interior Department,” Hoeven said. “Now that he has been confirmed, we look forward to working with him to advance the responsible, multiple uses of our public lands. That includes grazing, energy development and recreation.”

During an ENR Committee hearing last month, Hoeven secured a commitment from Bernhardt to help with the senator’s efforts to provide additional federal law enforcement in Indian Country, including in North Dakota. Hoeven is advocating for a new Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement training center in North Dakota, which would enable more law enforcement to be recruited from local communities, supporting greater retention of personnel. This followed an Indian Affairs Committee field hearing Hoeven held in Bismarck to receive testimony from state, local and tribal leaders regarding ongoing challenges in combatting the illicit drug trade, human trafficking and violence against women and children.

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