Rick Perry Clears First Hurdle to Become Energy Secretary, Signaling Easy Confirmation

WASHINGTON -- Rick Perry has cleared with ease a first hurdle to become energy secretary, even as many of President Donald Trump's other Cabinet nominees gird this week for bruising confirmation battles.The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday voted 16-7 to give Perry a favorable recommendation, signaling that the only outstanding question surrounding the former Texas governor is by how big of a margin he will be confirmed in the full chamber.Joining all of the committee's Republicans in supporting Perry were Democratic Sens. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Catherine Cortez Masto of New Mexico and independent Sen. Angus King of Maine."The good, bipartisan vote that we had in committee will be attractive," said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, the Alaska Republican who leads the panel. "I would think that leadership would want to get these nominees that are attracting perhaps less controversy moved through the process."  Continue reading...