The Senate plans to confirm businessman Howard Lutnick on Tuesday evening to lead the Commerce Department, as committees prepare more of President Donald Trump’s nominees for floor debate.
Other nominees affecting energy and environment agencies have received at least some bipartisan support, but no Democrat voted for Lutnick during a procedural roll call Thursday.
Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has said Lutnick will make the department more business-friendly, including for offshore oil and gas drilling.
“Over the next few years, the department will be leading on key issues, such as export controls of emerging technologies, keeping the Gulf open for oil and gas exploration, expanding commercial access to mid-band spectrum, and ensuring America’s leadership in AI innovation and commercial space regulation, and helping lead the resurgence of manufacturing in America,” Cruz said.
