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Thune Supports Chris Wright’s Bold Energy Agenda

“[I]f he is confirmed, Mr. Wright will be notable among secretaries of energy for his depth of experience.”

February 3, 2025

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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Thune’s remarks below (as delivered):

“Mr. President, last week the Senate processed two members of President Trump’s energy team.

“We confirmed Lee Zeldin to be administrator of the EPA in a bipartisan vote.

“Doug Burgum received 79 votes when he was confirmed to be secretary of the interior.

“And today we will complete the president’s energy team with the confirmation of Chris Wright to be secretary of energy.

“Now, Mr. President, I spoke last week about how our energy needs – about implementing an all-of-the-above energy strategy.

“I spoke about our abundance of resources and the need to leverage those resources for our country’s energy security.

“One of the most important resources is America’s ability to innovate – the knowledge and capabilities we have to expand the realm of possibility.

“Some of that work is being done in my state at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota.

“Other great work is done by the private sector and at universities, often in partnership with the federal government.

“It’s a big part of the work of the Energy Department, and it’s what Chris Wright has spent his life doing.

“Mr. Wright calls himself, and I quote, ‘a science geek turned energy nerd turned lifelong energy entrepreneur.’

“And if he is confirmed, Mr. Wright will be notable among secretaries of energy for his depth of experience.

“He has experience in nuclear energy, solar, geothermal, wind power, oil, and natural gas.

“He’s worked on innovations in technology that have reshaped the energy industry.

“And he’s seen what energy can do to improve human lives, bring people out of poverty, and remake entire societies.

“Mr. President, Chris Wright is passionate about energy.

“He knows it’s one of our most important assets.

“And he’s ready to get to work.

“Our colleague, Senator Hickenlooper, has known Chris Wright for many years.

“And he described him not only as a successful entrepreneur, but as, I quote, ‘a scientist who is open to discussion’ and as someone who ‘has that ability to assess what is possible and what isn’t.’

“Chris Wright will be an asset to President Trump’s energy team.

“And I look forward to seeing what he can accomplish for our country’s energy future.”