President Elect Trump has picked Rick Perry to head the Department of Energy. Donald Trump praised Perry’s record in a statement, “As the governor of Texas, Rick Perry … created a business climate that produced millions of new jobs and lower energy prices in his state, and he will bring that same approach to our entire country as Secretary of Energy.”
Perry has the support of two fellow Texans, Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, reports The Texas Tribune. “I’m thrilled with the President-elect’s decision to bring a proven Texas leader like Governor Perry into his Administration. A good friend, proud veteran, and dedicated public servant, I look forward to supporting Governor Perry’s nomination,” Sen. Cornyn said in a statement.
Perry was honored by Trump’s choice. The Washington Examiner reports he was “”humbled by [Trump’s] trust” in him. “I know American energy is critical to our economy and our security. I look forward to engaging in a conversation about the development, stewardship and regulation of our energy resources, safeguarding our nuclear arsenal, and promoting an American energy policy that creates jobs and puts America first,” he said.”
