Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Paul Dabbar. The committee’s decision allows Mr. Dabbar’s nomination to advance to a full Senate vote. The vote in the committee resulted in 17 yeas and 11 nays.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who chairs the committee, provided remarks regarding Mr. Dabbar’s nomination: “Today, we will consider the nomination of Paul Dabbar to be the Deputy Secretary of Commerce.” He highlighted that the Department of Commerce faces significant challenges such as countering Chinese economic aggression and restoring industrial capacity.
Senator Cruz elaborated on trade policy strategies: “I have already described the two paths before us on trade policy: one that uses tariffs strategically to secure better trade deals and another that locks them in place haphazardly and indefinitely.” He stressed the importance of advancing American technology and production capabilities.
According to Senator Cruz, Mr. Dabbar is well-suited for his role at the Department of Commerce due to his diverse experience in both private and public sectors. He stated: “Mr. Dabbar brings a blend of experiences from the private and public sectors.” Previously serving as a nuclear submarine officer and managing energy deals, Mr. Dabbar also held the position of Under Secretary of Science at the Department of Energy.
Highlighting Mr. Dabbar’s achievements, Senator Cruz noted his involvement with national labs and nuclear programs as well as his work supporting high-energy physics astronomy missions at the South Pole.
Senator Cruz concluded by urging support for Mr. Dabbar’s nomination: “I urge my colleagues to support Mr. Dabbar’s nomination.”
