North Dakota Senator Blocks Trump Nominees Over Wetland Rule Dispute

Republican Senator Kevin Cramer announced an indefinite hold on every nominee put forward by President Donald Trump, demanding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service undo a wetland conservation rule that limits farmers’ ability to lay drainage tiles near protected easements. Cramer contends the rule, upheld after pressure from hunters and groups like Ducks Unlimited, infringes on property rights and adds to the financial strain on agricultural producers facing high fuel and fertilizer costs.

The blockage may delay the appointment of Dennis Kirk as the Interior Department’s inspector general and other selections for Health and Human Services and the National Science Foundation. Cramer criticized the timing, noting he had recently supported a wealth-manager nominee for the Interior post overseeing the issue. He accused conservation advocates of “stealing” farmers’ land and pledged that no further confirmations would happen until the policy is altered.

The hold leverages an informal Senate practice that forces the majority leader to allocate floor time for a full vote, slowing the confirmation process. The Fish and Wildlife Service has not responded to requests for comment.