Crapo, Risch Confirm David Bernhardt to Lead Interior Department

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch today voted to confirm David Bernhardt’s nomination to become Secretary of the Interior. His nomination passed the Senate. 

“David Bernhardt is well qualified to lead the Department of Interior, and his list of career accomplishments is exemplary,” said Senator Crapo. “I congratulate Mr. Bernhardt on his confirmation, and look forward to continue working with him in a collaborative manner on topics important to Idahoans.”

“David Bernhardt has served in senior leadership roles at the Department of Interior for decades and knows the agency inside and out. His past experiences, institutional knowledge, and background as a westerner make him uniquely qualified for this job,” said Senator Risch. “I look forward to working with him to solve issues important to Idaho.”

After serving in several prominent positions at DOI, David Bernhardt was nominated to serve as Secretary of Interior. Bernhardt currently serves as Acting Secretary of Interior. Immediately preceding, he served the agency as Deputy Secretary. From 2001 to 2009 he held the positions of Solicitor, Deputy Solicitor, Deputy Chief of Staff, Counselor to the Secretary, and Director of the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs. Bernhardt was raised in Colorado and has demonstrated his understanding of Western priorities by already collaborating with states and prioritizing on-the-ground decision making. 

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