December 15, 2016 (LifeSiteNews)–President-elect Donald Trump announced today he intends to nominate Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-MT, to be Secretary of the Interior.
Although the Secretary of the Interior isn't typically directly involved with abortion policy, Zinke has a strong pro-life voting record and has voted to defund Planned Parenthood five times.
The pro-abortion group EMILY's List opposed Zinke during his recent election because he supports the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act and opposes giving taxpayer money to abortion giant Planned Parenthood.
National Right to Life lists Zinke as voting with them 100% of the time.
When Zinke voted for the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, he said, “I believe in the sanctity of life, and I believe Congress has a responsibility to give a voice to those who are voiceless. I think we all agree that the safety and health of the mother and her child is a top priority. We must all work together in a bipartisan manner to help make late terminations as rare as possible, while also coming together as a community to support women who face difficult situations.”
Announcing Zinke's appointment, Trump praised him for having “built one of the strongest track records on championing regulatory relief, forest management, responsible energy development and public land issues.”
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-WA, had been rumored to be Trump's pick for Secretary of the Interior. She is a pro-life, Susan B. Anthony List-endorsed congresswoman whose firstborn son has Down Syndrome.
As Secretary of the Interior, Zinke will oversee the management and conservation of most federal land and natural resources, such as the National Park Service. The Department of the Interior “uses sound science to manage and sustain America’s lands, water, wildlife, and energy resources, honors our nation’s responsibilities to tribal nations, and advocates for America’s island communities,” the department's website explains.