Former U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams was confirmed by the U.S. Senate Thursday to be the next under secretary for nuclear security at the federal Department of Energy.
Williams was one of 48 nominees made by President Donald Trump that were confirmed 51-47 in a single vote by the upper chamber Thursday under new rules passed by Republicans to begin clearing a backlog of executive branch positions that had been delayed by Democrats.
The under secretary for nuclear security is also the administrator for the National Nuclear Security Administration.
The former congressman was nominated by Trump for the position shortly after he took office in January.
Williams, a Republican, most recently served a single term representing New York’s 22nd Congressional District in Central New York. He lost his bid for a second term in November to Democrat John Mannion.
