Senate Energy Committee reports Kate MacGregor and James Danley favorably to the floor

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on an ordered voice and roll-call basis reported favorably two White House nominees: Kate MacGregor to be deputy secretary of the Interior and James Danley to be deputy secretary of Energy.

The committee ordered Kate MacGregor’s nomination reported after a roll call that produced 14 ayes and 6 nays. Later the committee ordered James Danley’s nomination reported after a roll call that produced 13 ayes and 7 nays.

The nominations drew statements from both parties. Ranking Member Martin Heinrich said he would vote to advance the nominees while stressing the need for experienced leadership. “They are knowledgeable about these agencies, and they will help lead,” Heinrich said, adding that he planned to vote in favor of the nominations.

Senator Alex Padilla expressed sharper criticism of MacGregor’s testimony and of Danley’s follow-up conduct. Padilla said he found MacGregor’s responses on public lands protections during the hearing “deeply disappointing” and that MacGregor “failed to convince me that she'd act differently if confirmed.” On Danley, Padilla said a scheduled follow-up meeting with the nominee was missed without notice: “He failed to show up. No notice, just failed to show up. No explanation, just failed to show up.” Padilla said those factors led him to withhold his support.

Committee members also used proxy votes on both nominations and several members asked to be recorded as present and voting on the matters. The favorable reports send the nominations to the full Senate for consideration.

The committee concluded its business and adjourned after the votes.