Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The Senate on Monday confirmed Dan Brouillette, President Donald Trump's selection to serve as Secretary of Energy.
Brouillette was confirmed by a 70-15 vote in the Senate Monday and will be sworn in during an official ceremony at a later date, the Department of Energy said in a statement.
"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," Brouillette said. "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."
Trump selected Brouillette to replace former Energy Secretary Rick Perry after he resigned in October.
Perry announced his resignation amid a subpoena from House Democrats for documents as part of its impeachment probe into Trump seeking to discover what role Perry may have played in "conveying or reinforcing the President's stark message to the Ukrainian President" concerning withholding military assistance and whether he pressured Ukrainian officials to change management structure at a Ukrainian state-owned energy company.
Brouillette served as deputy energy secretary under Perry before taking on the secretary role.
"Together, we build upon the historic progress in energy made under Secretary Perry's leadership, making our country safer, more prosperous and secure," Brouillette said. "I am excited for what the future holds as our department continues to make a lasting impact both domestically and around the world."
