President Donald Trump’s pick to succeed Rick Perry as energy secretary has won easy Senate confirmation. That’s despite one senator’s objections the nominee hadn’t fully answered questions related to the Trump impeachment investigation.
Deputy Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette’s promotion to secretary passed 70-15.
Monday’s vote came a day after Perry’s resignation became effective. Perry says his departure had nothing to do with his energy work for the administration in Ukraine. A House impeachment panel is scrutinizing Trump’s push for Ukraine to investigate a company employing a son of rival Joe Biden.
Perry has refused to testify before the panel.
Brouillette has told senators he has no knowledge of any of the conversations being investigated.
An Oregon Democrat, Sen. Ron Wyden, accused Brouillette of waging a “full-court stonewall” on some questions.
“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve the American people, President Trump, and DOE’s dedicated civil servants in this new role,” said Acting Secretary Brouillette. “I want to thank President Trump for placing his confidence in me to help advance America’s national security, energy security, and economic security through groundbreaking science, technology and innovation. I also would like to thank the Senate for its expedient review of my nomination and for the bipartisan support provided to me during the nomination hearing and tonight’s vote.
Together, we will build upon the historic progress in energy made under Secretary Perry’s leadership, making our country safer, more prosperous, and secure. I am excited for what the future holds, as our Department continues to make a lasting impact both domestically and around the world.”
(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
undefined
