Zinke sworn in as Trump’s Interior secretary

Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) was sworn in Wednesday evening as President Donald Trump’s Interior secretary.

“Now it’s time to get to work, as secretary I’m going to be held accountable to get things done,” Zinke said after taking the oath.

Zinke is the first presidential Cabinet member from Montana; he is a fifth-generation Montanan. 

Vice President Mike Pence, Zinke’s family, and close Senate friends attended the ceremony, hosted in the Vice Presidential ceremonial suite in Eisenhower Executive Office Building, according to a pool report. 

{mosads}Pence praised the career of Zinke, noting his military service.

“Congressman, you have spent the better part of your life protecting our country. For 23 years, you served as a Navy SEAL through tours of duty ranging from Kosovo to Iraq … You’re a recognized military leader and deeply respected by your peers,” Pence said.

“We’re confident that your record of leadership and integrity and public service will cede to our nation’s great natural resources and treasures as if they were your own,” Pence continued. 

“You’ll look after them and be a steward of the interior of our nation and the vast natural resources of this nation.”

Zinke, in return, also praised Trump and Pence as great leaders, and thanked his wife for her support.

Zinke is an avid outdoorsman and a lifetime hunter. 

He has stood up against GOP party members who wanted to sell public lands to states, and he also stood alone as the one Republican to support the amendment that permanently authorized the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Zinke was confirmed with a large majority of votes earlier on Wednesday in a 68-31 vote.