The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved, by unanimous consent, the nomination of P. Lynn Scarlett as Deputy Interior Secretary.

Scarlett joined the Bush administration in July 2001. As Interior's deputy assistant secretary for policy, management and budget, she has wide responsibility for budget, personnel and related matters at the department.

Once confirmed by the Senate, Scarlett would be the second-in-command at Interior. She would replace the controversial J. Steven Griles, who left the department to rejoin the lobbying force.

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