WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin told fellow members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Thursday former Texas Gov. Rick Perry has what it takes to be a balanced federal energy secretary.
Manchin took the unusual step of sitting across from the committee and introducing Perry at the beginning of the confirmation hearing.
“He is uniquely qualified to hold this position,” Manchin said. “For many years we have been friends and I know Rick understands how to work across the aisle in a bipartisan way to get things done. I’ve seen that first hand,” Manchin, a Democrat, said of the Republican Perry.
The two became friends in the days of the Hurricane Katrina disaster when they were both governors. Perry’s state was where thousands of residents of New Orleans traveled after their homes were destroyed. Manchin sent West Virginia Air National Guard planes to Texas to bring some of the Katrina victims back to West Virginia.
Manchin told committee members Thursday Perry would support an “all of the above” energy policy that will find the balance, like he did in Texas, Manchin said.
“So I have no doubt that Rick will not only do the job but excel in the job,” Manchin said.
Perry was criticized by the committee’s ranking member for once calling for the elimination of the Department of Energy which he now hopes to lead.
Manchin talked to President-elect Donald Trump about being nominated for the position but he said they both determined Manchin would be more useful staying in the Senate.