Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) –On Monday the U.S Senate voted 46-45 to advance Republican Steve Pearce, former New Mexico congressman, in a procedural vote that brings him one step closer to leading the federal Bureau of Land Management agency. Trump’s nomination of Pearce drew swift condemnation from environmental groups that pointed to his record in Congress, including his co-sponsoring of bills undermining the Antiquities Act. New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich didn’t immediately comment on Pearce’s advancement toward confirmation, but previously said he voted against him because he “cannot ignore” Pearce’s record in Congress, including opposing national monument designations and urging public land sell-offs.
