Senate confirms Lutnick to be Secretary of Commerce with strong support

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Mr. Howard Lutnick, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Secretary of Commerce, by a vote of 51 yeas to 45 nays. Previously, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), voted to advance Mr. Lutnick’s nomination to the full Senate by a vote of 16–12. 

Upon consideration of Mr. Lutnick’s nomination on the Senate floor last week, Sen. Cruz previously delivered the following remarks:

“I rise in support of the nomination of Howard Lutnick to be Secretary of Commerce.

“Two weeks ago, Mr. Lutnick appeared before the Commerce Committee where he received a warm reception from senators. The following week, he was reported out with bipartisan support, underscoring that many Commerce Committee members see Mr. Lutnick as highly qualified to serve as Secretary of Commerce.

“Mr. Lutnick has demonstrated great resilience and grit throughout his life. As he revealed at the hearing, growing up with some real personal adversity has given him a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary working Americans.

“He lost both his parents before his 18th birthday and put himself through college and helped to raise his younger siblings.

“On 9/11, Howard personally witnessed the fall of the Twin Towers and on that day he lost two-thirds of his staff—including his own brother. Few men can recover from an experience like that. But Howard not only rebuilt Cantor Fitzgerald, but made it into an international powerhouse with 13,000 employees and operations in more than 20 countries.

“Just as importantly, he has dedicated his rebuilt company to helping support the families who lost loved ones on 9/11. He created the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund to ensure the families of employees who were killed received health care and millions in financial support. And, he continues to serve as a Board Member of the National September 11 Memorial.

“Over the next few years, Mr. Lutnick will lead on key issues vital to the success of America’s economy: expanding commercial access to mid-band spectrum, keeping the Gulf open for oil and gas exploration, and spurring a resurgence of manufacturing in America. Mr. Lutnick will ensure American taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and that Congress gets ‘the benefit of the bargain’ on legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act.

“Mr. Lutnick has earned the support of nearly 50 organizations and associations. From agriculture to aviation, broadband to manufacturing—companies across the spectrum support President Trump’s selection of Howard Lutnick to serve as the Secretary of Commerce.

“As the Wireless Association put it, ‘Mr. Lutnick’s leadership will bring a fresh, innovative approach to the Department of Commerce.’ He will ‘advance policies that promote innovation, foster economic growth, and strengthen America’s position as a global leader in wireless technology and digital transformation.’

“It is my hope that, given the bipartisan support Mr. Lutnick received in Committee, the Senate will follow suit and agree he is the forward-looking leader focused on jobs, who we need at the Department.

“I urge my colleagues to support Howard Lutnick’s nomination for Secretary of Commerce.”

Senators and members of America’s business community previously expressed their support for Lutnick’s nomination.

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