Norton & Whitman Are In
Two more Bush Cabinet picks were confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday: Gale Norton for interior secretary and Christie Whitman to head the Environmental Protection Agency.
A past advocate of states' and property rights, Norton was opposed by environmental groups and some Democrats, including one who said her views on land management were "out of the mainstream."
On a 75-24 vote, the Senate confirmed Mr. Bush's choice of Norton to be the government's chief steward for half a billion acres of federal land and natural resources as secretary of the interior.
Republicans said they were confident that Norton, a former Colorado attorney general and U.S. Interior Department official, could balance both preserving and developing those resources.
"She grew up in Colorado, she understands what wilderness means," said Sen. Bob Smith, R-N.H.
Democrats said they only hope that Norton doesn't live up to their worst fears.
"I hope she listens to this and proves me wrong," said Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. "She's out of the mainstream of thought."
Whitman, the governor of New Jersey, was confirmed to head the EPA on a 99-to-0 vote.
Her nomination faced little organized opposition, though some environmental groups criticized her for cutting New Jersey's environmental budget and reducing fines against polluters.
During her confirmation hearing, Whitman promised tough enforcement of EPA regulations that affect U.S. businesses ranging from car makers to livestock farmers. She also promised to review environmental rules imposed by the Clinton administration, specifically those aimed at curbing sooty particles spewed from diesel-powered trucks.
With Whitman's confirmation out of the way, the Senate was turning its attention to John Ashcroft, the controversial attorney general nominee, who was approved Tuesday by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The full Senate will take up debate on Ashcroft in the next day or two.
Mr. Bush's choice for U.S. trade representative, Robert Zoellick, could also win Senate backing this week, completing the president's Cabinet.