WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate today confirmed Gale Norton as President George W. Bush’s nomination for Secretary of the Interior by 75 to 24. Norton was reported out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on January 24, 2001. Chairman Frank H . Murkowski was not surprised that she was approved by such an overwhelming margin. “This vote is not only one of approval by the Senate, it is a vote of confidence. Ms. Norton will be faced with many challenges during her tenure as Secretary, but she has shown this senator, as well as many others, that she is up to the task. I look forward to working with her on the important issues that face this nation,” said Murkowski. ###