Senate Committee to Meet for Gina Raimondo Confirmation Hearing

Raimondo (Steven Senne/Associated Press)

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President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the U.S. Department of Commerce is scheduled to defend her nomination before a Senate panel Jan. 26.

Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) of Rhode Island was tapped by the 46th president to manage the country’s economic growth, certain trade practices, and the landscape of research and development if she is confirmed to serve as secretary.

Responding to a Commerce Committee questionnaire, the nominee prioritized the manufacturing sector and emphasized the role technologies have on markets and the economy.

"We need to ensure that American workers and manufacturers can compete fairly on the global playing field,” she said. “We need to invest in innovation and technology in our manufacturing sector, leveraging the capacity at National Institute of Standards and Technology to ensure our industries succeed.”

Gina Raimondo by Transport Topics on Scribd

Additionally, she asserted, “The International Trade Administration needs to take aggressive trade enforcement actions to combat unfair trade practices that undercut American manufacturing and be equally aggressive in promoting American goods abroad.”

During her tenure, Raimondo approved an infrastructure funding program, known as “RhodeWorks,” which entails truck-only tolls. If confirmed by the Senate, she will succeed Secretary Wilbur Ross.

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