Zinke fills in Interior staff despite key leadership gaps

The only senior official to be named by the president, other than Secretary Ryan Zinke, is David Bernhardt as deputy secretary, who still needs to be confirmed by the Senate.

“Everyone’s job is just as mission-critical as my own in order for the team to operate at its full potential,” Zinke said in announcing 19 staff positions across the agency, including Bernhardt’s office.

“Together we will work toward modernizing the department and delivering better services and experiences to the taxpayer while cutting costs and protecting our most treasured places. I’m excited to continue the work we’ve already started,” he added.

Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said Thursday that she will hold a vote on Berhardt’s confirmation at the committee level when the Senate returns after its week-long Memorial Day recess. But then he must be voted on by the full Senate.

It has been tough to move political appointees through the Senate, but on top of that Trump has been slow to announce who will fill key posts in many of the offices that Zinke will rely on to move the Trump agenda ahead. The announcements made Friday do not require Senate confirmation.

Scott Hommel, a decorated Marine, will serve as Zinke’s chief of staff. Caroline Boulton, who served on Zinke’s staff when he was a member of Congress, will be Zinke’s special assistant, along with Natalie Davis, who served on Trump’s inaugural committee.

Laura Keehner Rigas, a former official who served under the George W. Bush administration, will be communications director for the agency.

The Interior Department also beefed up the Fish and Wildlife Service, which is in charge of endangered species designations. The service’s decisions under former President Barack Obama were hotly contested by the GOP. A director for fish and wildlife still must be named by the president and confirmed by the Senate.