Interior to Focus on ‘Front Line’ Staff Amid Deep Budget Cuts

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on Tuesday said his department will focus on beefing up “front line” staff amid proposed budget cuts and the sale of federal lands for housing.

Burgum spoke before the House Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee defending President Donald Trump’s proposal to cut to Interior’s budget by 30.5%, from $16.8 billion in fiscal 2025 to $11.7 billion. The White House’s draft budget “blueprint” proposes eviscerating the National Park Service and the US Geological Survey as well as tribal and conservation programs.

Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) said the hearing was focused on a budget without any details.

“We ...