The Senate voted Wednesday evening to close debate on Doug Burgum to lead the Interior Department. The former North Dakota governor is likely to be confirmed easily after the 78-20 cloture vote, with 25 Democrats voting in favor.

WASHINGTON — Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has cleared a vital step in his bid to become Interior secretary.

The former North Dakota governor told senators at his confirmation hearing that he saw limits on energy production as a national security threat.

Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing on nomination of Doug Burgum to be secretary of the interior.

Members of the committee had the opportunity to question Burgum on an array of different topics regarding energy, mineral resources and beyond.