The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on Wednesday voted 16-12 to advance the nomination of financier Howard Lutnick to be Commerce secretary.
Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the lone Democrat to vote for President Donald Trump’s nominee. If confirmed, Lutnick would oversee NOAA and the nation’s fisheries.
Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) applauded Lutnick’s support for offshore drilling after critics said Biden administration initiatives would interfere with development.
Although Lutnick said he would oppose dismantling NOAA during his confirmation hearing, Commerce ranking member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) said the nominee has not been strong enough in his commitment to protecting the agency from proposed relocation or shrinking.
