Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma) is holding back the nomination of Hilary Tompkins to be Solicitor of the Interior Department, The Albuquerque Journal reports.

Coburn wants to know whether Tompkins, as the department's top lawyer, will ensure the National Park Service allows guns to be carried in national parks and wildlife refuges in states that allow concealed weapons. He doesn't have concerns about her qualifications, a spokesperson said.

Tompkins is a member of the Navajo Nation. If confirmed, she will be the first Native American to hold the Solicitor position at Interior.

Coburn has filed an anti-tribal amendment to a bill on the Senate floor.

Get the Story:
Tompkins' Interior Solicitor Nomination on Hold (The Albuquerque Journal 6/4)

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