[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 197 (Monday, December 4, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Page S7819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                      Nomination of Joseph Balash

  Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, I came to the floor a half hour ago 
talking about a very well-qualified candidate for the Assistant 
Secretary of Interior for Lands and Minerals, Joe Balash, whom I happen 
to know very well. He was my former chief of staff, and he is the 
former Commissioner of Natural Resources in Alaska. He is very well 
qualified. His nomination came out of our committee with only one vote 
against him.
  This nomination has been waiting on the floor for several weeks now, 
but I just had a constructive conversation with Members on the other 
side of the aisle. What we intend to do is revisit Mr. Balash's 
nomination in the next 24 hours, and, hopefully, we will free Joe 
Balash to go serve the people of America and the people of Alaska. I 
know he will do a very good job.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader.

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