washington u.s. senate thursday vote confirm president donald trump pick head department energy former texas governor rick perry promise renew america nuclear weapons arsenal perry rise america top energy official come opposition democrats worry tie oil company doubt science climate change fact call department total elimination comment since say regret senate vote 62 37 support perry perry 66 governor texas 2000 2015 make longest-serving governor oil-producing state history energy secretary perry would lead vast scientific research operation credit help trigger u.s. drill boom advancements energy efficiency renewables technology would oversee america nuclear arsenal senate confirmation hear perry say much focus run department would renew country nuclear weapons arsenal trump want ensure arsenal top pack say unite state fall behind nuclear weapons capacity democratic lawmakers express worry perry would weaken department function potentially target army scientists focus climate clean energy research perry seek reassure say would protect scientists grow renewable energy industry democratic oregon senator ron wyden senior democrat senate energy natural resources committee say perry fail persuade would push back trump administration plan cut department budget focus clean energy trump threaten slash doe budget gov perry convince task create job put point board fight climate change wyden say republican alaska senator lisa murkowski chair energy committee say perry would strong partner focus everything reduce rural energy cost advance alaska gasline project senate confirm trump pick perry energy secretary