U.S. Senate Democrats raised concerns Wednesday that Republicans have scheduled a hearing for one of President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees before he completed the necessary paperwork and an FBI background check.

Members of the committee had the opportunity to question Burgum on an array of different topics regarding energy, mineral resources and beyond.

Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Donald Trump's pick to lead the Interior Department, is scheduled to appear before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for his first confirmation hearing on Tuesday around 10:00 a.

Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum is before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday, seeking confirmation as the secretary of the interior.

Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum promised to maximize drilling on federal lands at his confirmation hearing for interior secretary Thursday, calling the incoming administration’s goal of “energy dominance” the surest way to guarantee America’s national security.

If confirmed, Burgum would become the chief steward of federal lands. The Interior Department oversees areas that produce about one-quarter of U.S. oil annually.

WASHINGTON — Former North Dakota Republican Gov. Doug Burgum on Thursday got a step closer to securing his spot as secretary of the Department of the Interior following a rather breezy confirmation hearing before a U.