Shaheen Speaks With Secretary of Commerce Nominee Gina Raimondo

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, issued the following statement after speaking this morning with Gina Raimondo, Governor of Rhode Island and President Biden’s nominee to serve as Secretary of Commerce:

“With a diverse and far-reaching portfolio that includes everything from combating the existential threat of climate change, crafting trade policy that benefits working families, supporting our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and so much more, the role of Commerce Secretary is one of the most consequential positions in the President’s cabinet,” said Shaheen. “Throughout her extensive career working in key leadership positions in both the public and private sectors, Governor Gina Raimondo has demonstrated the knowledge, experience and capacity needed to tackle the difficult economic challenges she would face if confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Commerce. During our conversation, I raised a number of critical issues, such as the need to repair the damage caused by the Trump administration’s political interference at the U.S. Census Bureau and ensure that the 2020 count was complete and accurate, provide support for Granite State fisheries and address ongoing trade challenges with adversaries like China. I also appreciated the Governor’s commitment to increasing transparency and cooperation between the Commerce Department and Congress, and I look forward to seeing her nomination advance in the Senate.”