Perry clearly did not know what the department did when he wanted to get rid of it (I think he admitted as much), and neither did I. What it mostly does (Nuclear stuff) is important but I don’t think it needs it’s own cabinet department, sounds like something for a Defense Undersec or something.
Or something to be folded into “Interior” along with with transportation and Agriculture. So many of these Departments are so minor in what they do. Sec of Housing having the same rank as Sec of State seems kinda stupid to me, I’d pare down the Cabinet.
Back in the Day it was only State, Treasury, AG, War, Navy, Interior, and Postmaster General (used as a sinecure to appoint a political adviser to the cabinet)
Remember, this in the context of confirming hearings where the Senate is controlled by Republicans and his confirmation is expected to sail through committee without incident.
He'd have nothing to lose by saying he stands by statements from 2012 that the department may be unnecessary and if he is DOE Secretary, he would do so if that's the best course of action. However, he said the opposite at his confirmation hearing.
The ONLY reason Perry has "evolved" on this issue is because he'd rather have a nice cushy federal job than have to stick with his "principles" and work to dismantle his department.
It's like we told his supporters (in vain) during the 2012 campaign: Perry talks tough on the campaign trail, then is Mr. Softie when it comes to actually governing.
If Perry's statements at his confirmation mean nothing and he actually makes an effort to abolish the DOE and transfer its functions to other Departments during his tenure, I'll be shocked and thrilled that I was wrong. As it stands, (and looking at his behavior as Governor and statements at the committee hearing), I'd give it about an 85% chance the DOE INCREASES in size under Perry.
Yes, I'm cynical, but this guy is only against "big government" when someone else is in charge of it.