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JUNE 21, 2001

Senator Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska), former chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, on Wednesday blamed Democrats for holding up the confirmation of J. Steven Griles.

Griles is President Bush's pick for Undersecretary of Interior. A number of environmental groups have criticized his views.

But Democrats say that has nothing to do with the delay. The reorganization of the Senate from Republican to Democrat control is the cause, not any political agenda, they said.

Griles has been approved by the committee. The committee yesterday heard from three other Interior nominees.

Get the Story:
Power switch leaves Norton lonely at top (The Denver Rocky Mountain News 6/21)
Interior nominee 'held hostage' (The Denver Post 6/21)

Department of Interior Profiles:
Deputy Secretary: J. Stephen Griles (3/9)
Solicitor: Bill G. Myers (3/30)
Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget: P. Lynn Scarlett (4/4)
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs: Neal McCaleb (4/18)

Relevant Links:
Energy and Natural Resources Committee - http://www.senate.gov/~energy

Related Stories:
Interior nominees face Senate hearing (6/20)