The Senate has confirmed former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum as the next Secretary of Interior in a bipartisan vote, further cementing an energy dominance focus in the president’s cabinet. Burgum, 68,

The Senate confirmed former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum as Interior Secretary Thursday in a 79-18 vote, with the majority of Senate Democrats joining every Republican in the chamber. Burgum, a

The Senate has confirmed billionaire Doug Burgum as interior secretary. Lawmakers on Thursday voted 79-18 in favor of Burgum.

Zeldin cleared the Environment and Public Works Committee last week by a vote of 11-8. Just one Democrat — moderate Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona — joined Republicans to support President Donald Trump’s selection. The full Senate plans a procedural vote early in the afternoon followed by a final vote soon after.

The Senate voted Wednesday evening to close debate on Doug Burgum to lead the Interior Department. The former North Dakota governor is likely to be confirmed easily after the 78-20 cloture vote, with 25 Democrats voting in favor.

Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum previously told lawmakers that national security and the economy are his top priorities for leading the Interior Department.