Senate Panel Approves Interior Nomination

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee sent Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne’s nomination as Interior secretary to the full Senate, although procedural delays by lawmakers may stall his final confirmation to the Cabinet.

The panel approved Kempthorne’s nomination on a voice vote. No senator opposed him, although Sen. Mary L. Landrieu (D-La.) voted “present” to protest the Bush administration’s refusal to share a portion of offshore oil and gas royalties with Gulf Coast states.

Landrieu and Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) have said they intend to place a hold on Kempthorne’s nomination. Holds are a privilege any senator can invoke to block a floor vote.