March 01, 2017

Manchin Votes to Confirm Interior Secretary Nominee Ryan Zinke

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued a statement on his vote to confirm the U.S. Department of Interior Secretary nominee, Ryan Zinke.

“As a former Governor, I understand how crucial it is for an executive leader to have his team in place, and as a Senator it is my job to evaluate a nominee’s qualifications and determine if their vision aligns with the principles I have set forth in my years of work on behalf of West Virginians. After meeting with Congressman Zinke and questioning him in a confirmation hearing at the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I believe Congressman Zinke is qualified to serve as Secretary of the Interior. Congressman Zinke is committed to reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), fixing the National Park Service deferred maintenance backlog, and ensuring access for sportsmen who rely on Federal lands to hunt and fish.

“We both agree that public lands should be conserved for future generations. With that said, we both understand that the Secretary of the Interior should manage DOI landholdings for multiple uses for the benefit and enjoyment of all Americans.  I invited Congressman Zinke to visit West Virginia so he can see firsthand places like Canaan National Wildlife Refuge and I look forward to his visit.”

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