Rick Perry Confirmed as Federal Energy Department Secretary

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Former Texas Governor Rick Perry was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday to lead the Energy Department under the Trump Administration. Perry was confirmed by a vote of 62 to 37.

Despite calling for the agency’s elimination in 2012 on the campaign trail, Perry expressed regret with his statement during his confirmation hearing. In January, Perry told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that he supported the agency’s mission.

“My past statements made over five years ago about abolishing the Department of Energy do not reflect my current thinking,” said Perry.

Perry is expected to be a key figure in the Trump Administration’s more energy friendly government in Washington, D.C.