The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee advanced Howard Lutnick’s nomination to lead the Commerce Department, 16-12, with all but one Democrat in opposition.
Although his promise to bring supply chains onshore and boost U.S. competitiveness on artificial intelligence and other technologies was met with bipartisan approval, Democrats took issue with Lutnick’s lack of commitment to funding from the law dubbed the CHIPS and Science Act as well as the Trump administration’s tariff plan.
Lutnick is expected to play a key role in carrying out President Donald Trump’s trade agenda. Trump posted on social media in November that Lutnick, if confirmed, would have “additional direct responsibility for the Office of the United States Trade Representative.” USTR is responsible for negotiating international trade agreements.
