Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo appeared before the Senate Commerce Committee on January 26 as President Biden’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Below are some highlights from the confirmation hearing.
Raimondo stressed at the outset that during this time of overlapping crisis, the Commerce Department must be a partner to businesses and their workers to help them innovate and grow. She recognized the need to address the economic damage caused by the pandemic and the need to make investments across America. She talked about the need to ensure that American workers and manufacturers can compete fairly on the global playing field. “We need to invest in innovation and technology in our manufacturing sector and take aggressive trade enforcement actions to combat unfair trade practices from China and other nations that undercut American manufacturing,” said Raimondo.
Governor Raimondo also highlighted the need to recognize that tackling climate change goes hand-in-hand with creating good paying jobs. As Rhode Island Governor, she touted her Administration’s expansion of clean energy jobs, overseeing construction of the nation’s first offshore wind farm, and putting Rhode Island on a path to 100% renewable power. “Like President Biden, I know the climate crisis poses an existential threat to our economic security, and we must meet this challenge by creating millions of good, union jobs that power a more sustainable economy,” Governor Raimondo said. “The Commerce Department has the tools, data, and expertise to help communities and businesses address the climate crisis and become more resilient in the face of climate change, and if confirmed, it will be an honor to lead this team.”
At conclusion of the hearing, Chairman Wicker told Governor Raimondo that her answers to the committee members were “talented” and that he did not expect her to be Governor of Rhode Island much longer.
On Wednesday, February 3, 2021, Governor Raimondo’s nomination was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee, setting up a confirmation vote on the Senate floor.