On Jan. 12, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works advanced the nomination of Martha Williams to lead the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) with a 16-4 vote.
Williams has served as USFWS principal deputy director over the past year while the director position has remained vacant.
Top Republican member on the committee Sen. Shelley Capito (WV) voted in favor of Williams, saying, “In my discussions with her, Ms. Williams agreed to preserve opportunities for hunting, fishing and other outdoor pursuits important to many West Virginians and across this country.
“Ms. Williams and I will not agree with everything, but she has shown she takes her responsibility to be accountable to Congress seriously, and I thank her for that.”
Williams’ confirmation will now be decided on the Senate floor.
