U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement after former Texas Gov. Rick Perry was confirmed to be the Secretary of Energy by a vote of 62–37.

“I congratulate Gov. Perry on his successful confirmation to be our nation’s next Secretary of Energy,” Murkowski said. “This is a critical time for the Department, and it needs steady leadership as we pursue the broad benefits of energy innovation and greater security for our nation’s energy infrastructure. The Department’s scientists and our national labs are vital to that effort, and I believe Gov. Perry will be a strong partner as we focus on everything from reducing rural energy costs to advancing the Alaska gasline project.” 

Murkowski is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, which has jurisdiction over the Department of Energy. She spoke on the Senate floor before voting in support of Gov. Perry’s nomination.