In a series of committee votes, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved the nominations of Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to join President Donald Trump's cabinet.
Zinke has been approved to serve as the Interior secretary. Zinke was approved by a 16-6 vote. Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Al Franken (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) voted against Zinke.
BREAKING: Senate panel approves President Donald Trump's pick of Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke to serve as Interior secretary.
— AP Politics (@AP_Politics) January 31, 2017
Shortly after, Perry was approved in a 16-7 vote to serve as Energy secretary. Those opposed to Perry were Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Al Franken (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).
Rick Perry has ALSO been approved by committee, 16-7 https://t.co/lrNUOt584x
— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) January 31, 2017