To watch a video of Senator Manchin’s remarks click here. 

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a business meeting to consider the nomination of Mr. Robert Wallace to be Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks at the Department of the Interior. Mr. Wallace passed out of committee by a recorded vote of 19-1. Senator Manchin, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on his vote to confirm Mr. Wallace. 

“I believe Mr. Wallace is well qualified for this position. He will bring to the job a wealth of experience with the issues facing the National Park Service, which he gained as a park ranger in the Grand Teton National Park, as the Assistant Director for Legislative and Congressional Affairs for the National Park Service and as the Republican Staff Director for this Committee. Mr. Wallace has a deep dedication to the national park system and has shown an appreciation for working with Senators on both sides of the aisle to find common ground. I am happy to support Mr. Wallace’s nomination to be the Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.” 

On June 5^th, Senator Manchin questioned Mr. Wallace about keeping National Parks open during government shutdowns. During the same hearing Mr. Wallace expressed support for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). 

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