Washington D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Power and Water, today pressed his Senate colleagues to confirm fellow-Arizonan Brenda Burman as Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation without delay. Flake made the case for Berman’s speedy confirmation during her hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

“The president ought to get his nominees, especially when they are as qualified as Brenda Burman,” said Flake. “Arizona and other western states will be well served by Ms. Burman’s deep background on thorny water issues when she takes charge of the Bureau of Reclamation. She ought to be swiftly confirmed so we can get work overcoming those challenges, starting with the situation at Lake Mead.”

 

Flake’s introductory remarks can be viewed below:

 

During the hearing, Flake asked Burman about issues surrounding Colorado River water policies and tribal settlements. Excerpts from Flake’s exchanges with Burman can be viewed below:

 

Background:

• On July 19, 2017, Flake met with Burman in his Washington D.C. office. View video of the meeting here.
• On May 9, 2017, Flake met with Deputy Secretary of the Interior Nominee David Bernhardt.
• On June 6, 2017, Flake voted to confirm Bernhardt during a business meeting of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
• On July 20, 2017, Flake voted to advance Bernhardt’s nomination to the Senate floor.

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