Energy Secretary Rick Perry is designated survivor for 2019 State of the Union

Energy Secretary Rick Perry will be the designated survivor for Tuesday night’s State of the Union address.

Perry has served in Trump’s Cabinet since the start of his administration. The secretary of Energy is 12th in the presidential line of succession.

A Cabinet official is selected each year to remain at an undisclosed location during the State of the Union as a precaution in the event of a catastrophic incident at the Capitol. 

{mosads}Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue served as the designated survivor during last year’s State of the Union, and former Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin filled the role during President Trump’s 2017 address to a joint session of Congress.

Perry tweeted earlier Tuesday night that he held a meeting with acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan. 

Had a productive meeting with the Acting Secreatry of the @DeptofDefense, Patrick M. Shanahan, where we discussed @Energy’s continuing role in protecting our nation, powering our nuclear navy, and protecting our Nation’s grid. pic.twitter.com/huO5T9LQSt

— Rick Perry (@SecretaryPerry) February 5, 2019