“With deep expertise in energy, he [Tillerson] has negotiated business deals across the globe,” Cruz said. “I look forward to a full and fair confirmation hearing where Tillerson can describe his record in detail and lay out his vision for supporting our allies, confronting our enemies and advancing US interests worldwide.”
Cruz, who represents Texas in the Senate, ran unsuccessfully against Donald Trump for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.
Trump, now the president-elect, announced his plan to nominate Tillerson to be the United States’ 69th secretary of state. The nomination is subject to approval by the Senate.
The choice of Tillerson to be the chief US diplomat drew swift criticism from many Democratic legislators, particularly due to the oil industry executive’s business ties to Russia and expected advocacy for environmentally damaging fossil fuels at the expense of cleaner energy alternatives.
