Manchin opposes third Biden nominee this week

West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin on Friday announced he would not advance President Joe Biden's nominee to become assistant secretary for lands and minerals management for the Department of the Interior.

Manchin is chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which scrutinizes presidential nominees on matters involving natural resource positions.

"Today, I have also decided, as chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, that I will not be moving forward the nomination of Laura Daniel-Davis as assistant secretary of the Department of Interior," the West Virginia Democrat announced, according to The Hill.

Manchin pointed to an interior DOT memo in which Daniel-Davis approved a decision against lowering federal fees for private companies to extract oil and gas, a position he called "misguided."

He twice voted for Daniel-Davis's confirmation in prior hearings, the outlet noted. His opposition to Daniel-Davis marks Manchin's third break with Biden nominees the week.

After announcing his opposition to Federal Communications Nominee Gigi Sohn, the Biden nominee withdrew her name from consideration in the face of near-certain rejection by the Senate.

Later in the week, Manchin vowed to oppose the president's nominee to lead the IRS, Daniel Werfel, saying he did not doubt his qualifications but that his vote was motivated by concerns the administration would not grant him necessary autonomy to serve in the role. Werfel ultimately secured confirmation as several Republicans endorsed his nomination.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.