The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved the nomination of David J. Hayes as deputy secretary of the Interior Department on Wednesday but a Republican said he will place a hold on the Senate floor.

Sen. Bob Bennett (R-Utah) is upset that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar canceled oil leases in Utah. He plans to hold up Hayes' nomination until his concerns are addressed.

Bennett and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), who serves as vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, voted no on Hayes. Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), who had raised concerns about Hayes, ended up voting for him.

If confirmed, Hayes told the committee he will keep Indian issues high on his agenda.

Get the Story:
Bennett balks, but Interior nominee advances (The Salt Lake Tribune 3/18)
Bennett Blocks Pick for Deputy Interior Secretary Over BLM Lease Sale (KCPW 3/18)
Utah senator threatens hold on Interior deputy nominee (CongressDaily 3/18)
Upset over oil leases, Utah senator seeks to block Interior nominee (GreenWire 3/18)

Confirmation Hearing:
Full Committee Hearing: to consider the nomination of David Hayes to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior (March 12, 2009)
Note: Hearing starts about 22 minutes into the archived webcast.

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