[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 170 (Wednesday, September 29, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6763-S6764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                    Nomination of Robert T. Anderson

  Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, the Senate is about to vote on the

[[Page S6764]]

nomination of Robert Anderson to serve as Solicitor of the Department 
of the Interior, and I am here to tell you, Madam President, that I 
oppose this nomination.
  Now, if confirmed, Mr. Anderson will serve as the Department's chief 
attorney and also as the principal legal adviser to the Secretary of 
the Interior, Secretary Haaland. He would oversee more than 430 
attorneys and a staff within 6 legal divisions. He would be responsible 
for ensuring that business conducted in the Interior Department follows 
the law and is done transparently. He would be granted tremendous 
powers to shape how the Department fulfills its mission by issuing 
final legal interpretations on all matters within the jurisdiction of 
the Department.
  These decisions directly impact homes and businesses in Wyoming and 
throughout the Nation. These decisions can make or break our Nation's 
ability to protect our environment, to use and enjoy our natural 
resources, to create good-paying jobs, and to pay for services such as 
public education.
  Over the course of his career, Mr. Anderson has both taught and 
practiced law, primarily focused on Tribal issues. Now, I am concerned 
that Mr. Anderson lacks sufficient legal experience beyond the Tribal 
law to effectively navigate the complex web of issues governing the 
multiple use of public lands and Federal lands.
  I am very concerned about Mr. Anderson's actions, specifically 
actions he has taken as the Principal Deputy Solicitor since January 20 
of this year. He has revoked many solicitors' opinions issued under the 
Trump administration. His work has paved the way for the Biden 
administration's punishing policies that are in direct conflict with 
the Department of the Interior's multiple-use mandate.
  Mr. Anderson's responses to questioning by Senator Cassidy during his 
nomination hearing were particularly concerning to me. Senator Cassidy 
asked whether the nominee agreed that the requirement to ``maintain''--
maintain--oil and gas leasing programs meant to lease some more--not 
just maintain the leases that were already leased, but continue 
leasing. Mr. Anderson responded that he thought it was an open 
question.
  Madam President, to suggest that the Secretary is no longer required 
to plan for and hold new offshore oil and gas leases simply and 
unfortunately but truly ignores the law of the land. Let me be clear. 
The Secretary of the Interior is required to comply with the law like 
everyone else. Mr. Anderson's willingness to put the Biden 
administration's war on American energy ahead of following established 
law, in my opinion, disqualifies him from serving as Solicitor.
  I will vote against Mr. Anderson's nomination, and I will urge other 
Senators to do so.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Michigan.