Committee Approves Nominees for Energy, Interior Secretary

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today held a business meeting to approve President Trump’s nominees to be Secretary of the Interior, Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), and Secretary of Energy, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

Rep. Zinke was reported favorably by a vote of 16 – 6, and Gov. Perry was reported favorably by a vote of 16 - 7. Chairman Murkowski supported both nominations, which now head to the Senate floor for confirmation.

“I look forward to partnering with Congressman Zinke and Gov. Perry, who will lead departments that contribute significantly to our nation’s economic prosperity and national security,” Murkowski said. “I am eager to work with Congressman Zinke to restore balance and trust to the management of our public lands, and with Gov. Perry to address high energy costs in rural Alaska, among other challenges. Given the bipartisan support that both nominees received today, I am hopeful that their nominations will be taken up and confirmed quickly by the full Senate.”

During today’s business meeting, the committee also approved the membership of its four subcommittees, which are as follows:

Chairman Lisa Murkowski and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell are ex officio members of all subcommittees.