Austin News

At a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Howard Lutnick, President Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. Secretary of Commerce, discussed the challenges facing the Department of Commerce and emphasized his intention to collaborate with Senators on various issues. Lutnick expressed his dedication to reducing regulatory burdens to foster American innovation and manufacturing in sectors such as spectrum, broadband deployment, semiconductor construction, and critical mineral extraction.

Chairman Cruz has scheduled a full committee markup session to evaluate Lutnick's nomination on February 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Commerce Committee hearing room.

Lutnick shared his motivation for serving as Secretary of Commerce by stating: “I think America is in a place to teach the world and to show the world what leadership is like... So, I’m just looking forward to being a part of this administration..."

On commercial spectrum access, Lutnick responded to Chairman Cruz's inquiry by saying: “There’s enormous amounts of spectrum held by the Department of Defense... we need to be the leader in the world of 5G and 6G."

Regarding U.S. government roles in building competitive industries, Lutnick said: “I think you gave the Department of Commerce the tools to bring domestic semiconductor manufacturing home..."

Addressing Sen. Budd's question about AI regulation and competition with China, Lutnick commented: “We were successful on the internet... We need to make sure we set standards that the world meets..."

When questioned by Leader Thune about reforming federal broadband subsidies through the BEAD program, Lutnick stated: “I’m going to work to make sure that Congress gets the benefit of the bargain..."

In response to Sen. Fischer's question about protecting agriculture and fishing industries from retaliatory tariffs while expanding export markets, Lutnick remarked: “I think our farmers... are treated with disrespect[...] The countries take advantage of American kindness..."

The upcoming executive session will further consider these perspectives as part of Howard Lutnick’s nomination process.