[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 87 (Thursday, June 11, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S6523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 NOMINATION OF HILARY CHANDLER TOMPKINS

  Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, let me state I am disappointed to see 
the objection still raised to the confirmation of Hilary Chandler 
Tompkins to be the Solicitor for the Department of Interior. She is 
extremely well qualified. No one has raised any question about her 
qualifications. Our former colleague, now Secretary Salazar, needs a 
Solicitor in the Department of Interior.
  We reported her nomination out of our committee on April 30, nearly 6 
weeks ago now. There has been something of a rolling hold on her 
nomination.
  I know Senator Bennett had an objection at one point; that has been 
satisfied. Senator Coburn had an objection; that has been satisfied. 
Senator Bunning had an objection; that has been satisfied. Now I am 
informed there are additional objections.
  I hope very much my colleagues on the Republican side will go ahead 
and approve her for confirmation quickly so that Secretary Salazar can 
get on with the important business of the Department of Interior.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Texas is recognized.

                          ____________________