Doug Burgum, Donald TrumpThe nominee to lead the Interior Department will tell senators during his confirmation hearing today that he supports expanding oil and gas drilling on public lands, Reuters reported.

This will mark a reversal Joe BidenHe has sought to halt oil exploration on public lands as part of his administration's strategy to reduce U.S. carbon emissions. Here's more on Burgum's pledge from Reuters:

The comments signal a sharp shift in policy coming after years of efforts by President Joe Biden to limit oil and gas drilling by reducing federal lease auctions and banning future development in large swathes of federal offshore waters as part of a strategy to combat climate change.

“Today, the United States produces cleaner, smarter, and safer energy than anywhere in the world. When U.S. energy production is restricted, it does not reduce demand, it simply shifts production to countries like Russia, Venezuela, and Iran , and the authoritarian leaders of these countries don’t care about the environment,” commented.

He said maximizing energy production could lower consumer prices and could be done while ensuring clean air and water.

The Interior Department oversees millions of acres of land and offshore waters from the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico and leases land for drilling operations that now produce about a quarter of the nation's oil and natural gas production.

The United States has become the world's largest producer of oil and natural gas, thanks to technological advances and strong world demand since Russia's invasion of Ukraine that fueled a years-long drilling boom mostly on private lands in Texas and New Mexico.

Good morning, American Politics Blog readers. There are four more Donald TrumpThe nominee will have a confirmation hearing today after questioning from senators over the past two days Pam Bundyhis pick for attorney general, and Peter Heggsnominees for Secretary of Defense, etc. Today, a hearing is scheduled for Scott Turnernominated to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development; LizeldinTrump appoints head of Environmental Protection Agency; candidate for Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum; and nominee for Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessant. Democrats are expected to pepper Bessant with questions about his views on Trump's vow to impose tariffs on many countries, friend and foe alike. We can also expect Burgum to face scrutiny over his views on expanding oil and gas drilling on public lands, a Trump campaign promise.

Here's what else happened today:

• Joe Biden His presidential farewell will continue with a ceremony for Department of Defense staff at 2 p.m. Last night he delivered a farewell address to the nation.

• House of Representatives There will be a vote on the Illegal Alien Violence Against Women Act, another Republican-drafted bill targeting undocumented immigrants. The policy targets immigrants convicted of domestic violence, sexual abuse and related crimes.

• Gaza ceasefire agreement Israel's cabinet approval was needed, but a last-minute dispute stymied the process. Follow our live blog for more information.