[Senate Hearing 117-439]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
S. Hrg. 117-439
NOMINATION TO THE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
=======================================================================
HEARING
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,
SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
__________
JULY 14, 2022
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov
__________
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
55-622 PDF WASHINGTON : 2024
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
MARIA CANTWELL, Washington, Chair
AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota ROGER WICKER, Mississippi, Ranking
RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut JOHN THUNE, South Dakota
BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii ROY BLUNT, Missouri
EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts TED CRUZ, Texas
GARY PETERS, Michigan DEB FISCHER, Nebraska
TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin JERRY MORAN, Kansas
TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska
JON TESTER, Montana MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
KYRSTEN SINEMA, Arizona TODD YOUNG, Indiana
JACKY ROSEN, Nevada MIKE LEE, Utah
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico RON JOHNSON, Wisconsin
JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West
RAPHAEL WARNOCK, Georgia Virginia
RICK SCOTT, Florida
CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming
Lila Helms, Staff Director
Melissa Porter, Deputy Staff Director
George Greenwell, Policy Coordinator and Security Manager
John Keast, Republican Staff Director
Crystal Tully, Republican Deputy Staff Director
Steven Wall, General Counsel
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Hearing held on July 14, 2022.................................... 1
Statement of Senator Klobuchar................................... 1
Statement of Senator Wicker...................................... 3
Letter dated July 14, 2022 to Hon. Maria Cantwell and Hon.
Roger Wicker from Rick C. Wade, Senior Vice
PresidentStrategic Alliances and Outreach, U.S. Chamber of
Commerce................................................... 3
Statement of Senator Schatz...................................... 34
Statement of Senator Blunt....................................... 34
Statement of Senator Tester...................................... 35
Statement of Senator Blumenthal.................................. 37
Statement of Senator Hickenlooper................................ 39
Statement of Senator Baldwin..................................... 40
Witnesses
Susie Feliz, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of
Commerce....................................................... 4
Prepared statement........................................... 6
Biographical information..................................... 7
Donald R. Cravins, Jr., Nominee to be Under Secretary of Commerce
for Minority Business Development, U.S. Department of Commerce. 15
Prepared statement........................................... 16
Biographical information..................................... 17
Appendix
Letter of support Susie Feliz dated June 8, 2022 to Hon. Maria
Cantwell and Hon. Roger Wicker from Raul Ruiz, M.D., Chair,
Congressional Hispanic Caucus.................................. 43
Letter of support for Susie Feliz dated June 14, 2022 to Hon.
Maria Cantwell and Hon. Roger Wicker from Ramiro A. Cavazos,
President and CEO, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce........... 45
Letter of support for Susie Feliz dated June 21, 2022 to Hon.
Maria Cantwell and Hon. Roger Wicker from Janet Murgu!a,
President and CEO, UnidosUS; Domingo Garcia, President, LULAC;
Arturo Vargas, Chief Executive Officer, NALEO Educational Fund;
Hector Sanchez Barba, Executive Director and CEO, Mi Familia
Vota; Thomas A. Saenz, President and General Counsel, MALDEF;
Ramiro A. Cavazos, President and CEO, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce; Nathalie Rayes, President and CEO, Latino Victory
Fund; Mark Magana, President and CEO, GreenLatinos; Frankie
Miranda, President and CEO, Hispanic Federation................ 47
Response to written questions submitted to Susie Feliz by:
Hon. Kyrsten Sinema.......................................... 49
Hon. Jacky Rosen............................................. 49
Hon. Roger Wicker............................................ 50
Response to written questions submitted to Donald R. Cravins, Jr.
by:
Hon. Tammy Duckworth......................................... 51
Hon. Jacky Rosen............................................. 52
Hon. Kyrsten Sinema.......................................... 53
Hon. Ray Ben Lujan........................................... 54
Hon. Raphael Warnock......................................... 54
Hon. Roger Wicker............................................ 55
Hon. Marsha Blackburn........................................ 55
NOMINATION TO THE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
----------
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022
U.S. Senate,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:01 a.m., in
room SR-253, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. Amy
Klobuchar, presiding.
Present: Senators Klobuchar [presiding], Blumenthal,
Schatz, Baldwin, Tester, Hickenlooper, Wicker, and Blunt.
OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. AMY KLOBUCHAR,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MINNESOTA
Senator Klobuchar. All right. I am calling the hearing to
order. We are very excited today to consider two important
nominations for the Department of Commerce. We welcome our
nominees and their families, and we thank both of you for your
willingness to serve.
First, I would like to welcome Susie Feliz to be Assistant
Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs at the
Department of Commerce. She is joined by her husband, Jose. He
is very well behaved. Back there, he is not doing anything. You
know, it will distract us. Ms. Feliz comes from a proud
military family with a long history of veterans who faithfully
served our Nation.
Her career in public service spans more than 20 years and
includes positions in both the Senate and the House of
Representatives. She has dedicated much of her life to working
with all levels of local, State, and Federal Governments, as
well as constituents and businesses to improve underrepresented
and minority communities. She currently serves as the Vice
President for Policy and Legislative Affairs at the National
Urban League.
Ms. Feliz brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge in
shaping public policy and has a strong track record of working
with people on both sides of the aisle. And I look forward to
working with you to ensure that this committee's priorities are
communicated to the Department and that together we can achieve
our shared goals.
I also wanted to mention Chairwoman Cantwell's strong
support of both of the nominees. She just lost her mom. Senator
Wicker and I were just talking about this on Monday. And so she
is still in town working really hard on the USICA semiconductor
bill but has a lot going on. And she is very excited about both
nominees. I saw her last night and wanted to convey that.
Second, Mr. Don Cravins has been nominated to be
Undersecretary of Commerce for minority business development at
the Department of Commerce as well. We welcome you in this
incredible new position, and we are excited about the work you
can do. We talked about this yesterday. And you are joined by
your wife, Yvette, and two of your children, Dominique and
Chloe. So we thank you for being here as well.
This position was established when we passed the Minority
Business Development Act as part of the bipartisan
infrastructure law, which was signed into law in November. A
number of people on this committee worked really hard on that
bill and we thank them for their leadership. If confirmed, Mr.
Cravins would be the first Senate confirmed person to occupy
this important position leading the Minority Business
Development Agency.
The MBDA is the only Federal agency solely dedicated to the
growth and global competitiveness of our nation's 9.2 million
minority owned businesses. The agency's nationwide network of
local MBDA centers assist minority owned businesses in gaining
access to capital, finding the right markets, and landing
contracts and technical assistance that help companies grow and
compete.
I am proud to say that 1 of the 39 MBDA centers is located
in my state in Minneapolis. I can't think of anyone better
suited to lead the agency than Mr. Cravins. He has long been
committed to public service, business development, and equity.
He previously served as an elected official in his home state
of Louisiana, first in the State's House of Representatives,
then in the Louisiana State Senate.
And in January 2009, he left the Louisiana Legislature to
serve as Staff Director and Chief Counsel for the Senate
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship under then
chair and our friend Mary Landrieu, former Senator from
Louisiana. So that is a pretty good recommendation for all of
us in the Senate. In January 2013, he became Mary's Chief of
Staff.
Senator Landrieu, I know strongly supports your nomination
and is a huge fan of your work. Currently, Mr. Cravins serves
as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at
the National Urban League, which operates 13 entrepreneurship
centers across America, focused on the development of minority
owned businesses.
I am so excited, Don, to see you at the helm of this
incredible agency as it embarks on a new chapter, embraces new
responsibilities. And I know Senator Wicker has also been
incredibly helpful on this front when it comes to the important
work with entrepreneurs, minority entrepreneurs across the
country.
So it is also fitting that we are chairing this hearing
together. Again, I would like to thank both of you for your
willingness to serve. I now turn to Ranking Member Wicker, also
from the South, Mr. Cravins, for his opening statement.
STATEMENT OF HON. ROGER WICKER,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MISSISSIPPI
Senator Wicker. Right across the river. Thank you, Senator
Klobuchar. And thanks to Senator Cantwell for calling this
hearing because of the nominations of Mr. Donald Cravins to be
Undersecretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development,
and Ms. Susie Feliz to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. These are important
positions within the Department, and they warrant the
Committee's focus this morning.
This is the first time a nominee has come before the Senate
to fill the role of the recently created position of
Undersecretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development.
Last year, I actually sponsored legislation that codified the
Minority Business Development Agency and elevated its top
leader to the position of undersecretary. So this is a matter
of importance to me.
This agency does critical work to support minority
businesses, business owners across the Nation, including in my
home State of Mississippi. I attended a banquet of the United
Negro College Fund some years back in Tupelo, Mississippi. My
fellow Mississippian, the late Charles Evers spoke at that
banquet, which was held at the Ramada Inn in Tupelo.
He said to the group of young people there, ``I don't want
you just to get a job at the Ramada Inn. I want you to own the
Ramada Inn.'' And that belief is now going to be carried on by
this MBDA. And I think it is good to have a Senate confirmed
official leading this agency to make sure there is sufficient
Congressional oversight.
I am encouraged by Mr. Cravins' qualifications, including
his service as Staff Director of the Senate Small Business and
Entrepreneurship committee. And I look forward to hearing from
him today about his strategic plans for the MBDA. I appreciate
that has listed as one of his priorities to expand the
geographic reach of the agency.
I have in my hand, Madam Chair, a letter dated July 14,
2022, recommending highly Mr. Donald Cravins for confirmation.
It is signed by Rick C. Wade, Senior Vice President, Strategic
Alliances and Outreach, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. And I ask
unanimous consent that it be admitted at this point.
Senator Klobuchar. It will be.
[The information referred to follows:]
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Washington, DC, July 14, 2022
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Chair,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Roger Wicker,
Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chair Cantwell and Ranking Member Wicker:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports the nomination of Mr. Donald
Cravins, Jr. to be the first Under Secretary for the Minority Business
Development Agency (MBDA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce, the only
Federal agency of its kind focused on promoting the growth and
competitiveness of minority-owned businesses.
Mr. Cravins has a solid and diverse background in public and
private sector leadership, which will serve him well in this role. He
also has a strong track record of dedicated service and engagement with
the business community. He previously served as Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer at the National Urban League and
as Staff Director and Chief Counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on
Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
We believe Mr. Cravins would be a great ally in our collective
efforts to strengthen business in America and build an inclusive
economy. We urge the Committee to expeditiously advance his nomination
to the full Senate, and appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Rick C. Wade,
Senior Vice President,
Strategic Alliances and Outreach,
U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Senator Wicker. And I know Mr. Cravins will see this area
as an area of untapped potential, particularly our rural areas.
Now, moving along, the Department of Commerce has vast range of
policy areas and programs in its jurisdiction.
And the Assistant Secretary for Legislative and
Intergovernmental Affairs provides a key link between the
Department and Congress regarding this entire portfolio. I look
forward to hearing from Ms. Feliz about the experience she
would bring to this Assistant Secretary position and her goals
for this vital role, if confirmed.
So thank you very much, Senator Klobuchar, and look forward
to the hearing.
Senator Klobuchar. Thank you very much, Senator Wicker. I
think we will start with you, Ms. Feliz. And thank you both of
you. Look forward to hearing from you, and then we will have
questions from the Committee. Go ahead. We have some members on
remote as well. Thank you.
STATEMENT OF SUSIE FELIZ,
NOMINEE TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR LEGISLATIVE
AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Ms. Feliz. Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Wicker, and
members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to
appear before you today as a nominee for Assistant Secretary of
Commerce for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. I am
honored to be President Biden's nominee, and I am grateful to
Secretary Raimondo and Deputy Secretary Graves for their trust
in me to fulfill the duties of this position.
I want to thank my husband, retired Navy Captain Jose
Feliz, who is in the audience today, for his unconditional love
and support, for being a wonderful father to our two young
sons, Giovanni and Lucas, and for the privilege of being a
stepmother to his two older children, Genesis and Daniel.
I am here because of the love and sacrifice of my parents
who left their homes in Ecuador in search of a better life for
themselves and their families here in the United States.
Together, they raised three children, including my sister Anna
Louisa, who works in the private sector, and my brother Josh,
who is a captain in the U.S. Army.
My parents chose careers in public service to give back to
a country that gave them so much and to provide for their
families. My father retired after 27 years of service in the
Army as a combat engineer. He fought in both wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan in defense of our Nation and was a recipient of the
Purple Heart for his service in Iraq.
My mother retired as a special education teacher's
assistant at Albritton Middle School in Fort Bragg, North
Carolina. They both instilled in me the core values of duty,
integrity, and selfless service, which I will bring to the
Department of Commerce, if confirmed. As a military child, I
lived and attended schools in six different States, which
exposed me to the cultural differences we have across our
country.
I learned to love and appreciate the diversity of our
Nation, but also saw firsthand the economic hardships faced by
so many, particularly in historically underserved communities.
This experience fueled my passion for advancing inclusive
economic growth and opportunity throughout my career on Capitol
Hill.
If confirmed, I am excited to continue my purpose in
service to the Nation at the Department of Commerce. I believe
my experience on Capitol Hill has prepared me to carry out the
role of Assistant Secretary for Legislative and
Intergovernmental Affairs. During the last two decades, I have
served as an aide to former Senator Clinton, a Legislative
Director to Representatives Joe Baca, Al Green, and Karen Bass,
and as the Vice President of Policy and Legislative Affairs for
the National Urban League.
I am grateful to my former bosses for the opportunities
they gave me and the legislative training I received, which
will serve the needs of Congress at the Department of Commerce,
as well as the needs of State, local, and tribal governments.
If confirmed, I will bring an in-depth understanding of the
legislative process, a track record of working in a bipartisan
fashion with Congress and the Administration to ensure policies
are implemented faithfully, and experience leading legislative
teams.
Finally, I have worked on several legislative priorities
that are essential to the economic mission at the Department of
Commerce, including minority business development, digital
equity, economic development, and the decennial census. The
Department has several mandates that I look forward to working
with you to implement if I am confirmed.
Not the least of these mandates is employing historic new
public investments to ensure all Americans have access to
affordable broadband, workers have access to job training and
wraparound services that create pathways to quality jobs, and
women and minority owned small businesses have the tools they
need to grow and thrive.
In addition, the Department's strategic goal of driving
U.S. innovation and global competitiveness is central to
revitalizing domestic production and increasing the resiliency
and diversity of supply chains.
And its authority to facilitate trade abroad and issue
trade restrictions and economic sanctions on countries that
threaten U.S. national security and foreign policy interests
has never been more vital.
As a former Congressional staffer, I recognize the
constitutional responsibility of Congress to create laws and
execute oversight authority. My experience has helped me
understand how important it is for Congress and the Executive
Branch to work closely together to ensure the faithful
implementation of these laws.
If confirmed, I commit to work with my team and all leaders
within the Department of Commerce to respond in a timely and
appropriate manner to requests from Congress, Governors,
Mayors, and tribal governments, and to ensure the Department is
working toward meeting statutory deadlines.
It is humbling to have been nominated to a role so critical
to implementing policies and programs which are aiding in our
Nation's economic recovery, as well as to protecting our
economic standing in the world.
If confirmed, I look forward to serving as your direct line
of communication to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Thank you
again for inviting me to testify today, and I look forward to
your questions.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Ms.
Feliz follows:]
Prepared Statement of Susie Feliz, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary
of Commerce for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs,
U.S. Department of Commerce
Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Wicker, and Members of the
Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today as
the nominee for Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Legislative and
Intergovernmental Affairs. I am honored to be President Biden's nominee
and am grateful to Secretary Raimondo and Deputy Secretary Graves for
their trust in me to fulfill the duties of this position.
I want to thank my husband, retired Navy Captain Jose Feliz, who is
in the audience today, for his unconditional love and support, for
being a wonderful father to our two young sons, Giovanni and Lucas, and
for the privilege of being a stepmother to his two older children,
Genesis and Daniel.
I am here because of the love and sacrifice of my parents who left
their homes in Ecuador in search of a better life for themselves and
their families here in the United States. Together they raised three
children, including my sister Analuisa who works in the private sector,
and my brother Josh who is a Captain in the U.S. Army. My parents chose
careers in public service to give back to a country that gave them so
much and to provide for their families. My father retired after 27
years of service in the Army as a combat engineer. He fought in both
wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in defense of our Nation and was a
recipient of the Purple Heart for his service in Iraq. My mother
retired as a special-education teacher's assistant at Albritton Middle
School in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. They both instilled in me the
core values of duty, integrity, and selfless service which I will bring
to the Department of Commerce, if confirmed.
As a military child, I lived and attended schools in six different
states, which exposed me to the cultural differences we have across our
country. I learned to love and appreciate the diversity of our Nation
but also saw firsthand the economic hardships faced by so many,
particularly in historically underserved communities. This experience
fueled my passion for advancing inclusive economic growth and
opportunity throughout my career on Capitol Hill, which, if confirmed,
I am excited to continue at the Department of Commerce.
I believe my experience on Capitol Hill has prepared me to carry
out the role of Assistant Secretary for Legislative and
Intergovernmental Affairs. During the last two decades, I have served
as an aide to former Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton; a legislative
director to Representatives Joe Baca (CA-43), Al Green (TX-09), and
Karen Bass (CA-37); and as the Vice President of Policy and Legislative
Affairs for the National Urban League. I am grateful to my former
bosses for the opportunities they gave me and the legislative training
I received which will serve the needs of Congress at the Department of
Commerce, as well as the needs of state, local and tribal governments.
If confirmed, I will bring an in-depth understanding of the legislative
process, a track record of working in a bipartisan way with Congress
and the Administration to ensure polices are implemented faithfully,
and experience leading legislative teams. Finally, I have worked on
several legislative priorities that are central to the economic mission
of the Department of Commerce--including minority business development,
digital equity, economic development, and the decennial census.
The Department has several mandates that I look forward to working
with you to implement, if I am confirmed. Not the least of these
mandates is employing historic new public investments to ensure all
Americans have access to affordable broadband, workers have access to
job training and wrap-around services that create pathways to quality
jobs, and women-and minority-owned small businesses have the tools they
need to grow and thrive. In addition, the Department's strategic goal
of driving U.S. innovation and global competitiveness is central to
revitalizing domestic production and increasing the resiliency and
diversity of supply chains. And its authority to facilitate trade
abroad and issue trade restrictions and economic sanctions on countries
that threaten U.S. national security and foreign policy interests has
never been more vital.
As a former congressional staffer, I recognize the constitutional
responsibility of Congress to create laws and execute oversight
authority. My experience has helped me understand how important it is
for Congress and the Executive Branch to work closely together to
ensure the faithful implementation of these laws. If confirmed, I
commit to work with my team, and all leaders within the Department of
Commerce, to respond in a timely and appropriate manner to requests
from Congress, governors, mayors, and tribal governments; and to ensure
the Department is working towards meeting statutory deadlines.
It is humbling to have been nominated to a role so critical to
implementing policies and programs which are aiding in our Nation's
economic recovery as well as protecting our economic standing in the
world. If confirmed, I look forward to serving as your direct line of
communication to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Thank you, again, for inviting me to testify today. I look forward
to your questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used):
Susie Feliz, formerly Susie Saavedra. Birth name is Susie
Jerez.
2. Position to which nominated: Assistant Secretary for Legislative
and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Commerce.
3. Date of Nomination: March 15, 2022.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: 1805 7th St, NW, Washington, DC 20001.
5. Date and Place of Birth: September 1, 1978; Elmhurst, Queens,
New York.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Spouse: Jose Feliz, Specialist Leader, Deloitte
Stepdaughter: Genesis Feliz Jones, Associate Veterinarian,
THRIVE Affordable Vet-Care, 28 years old
Stepson: Daniel Feliz, unemployed, 21 years old
7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school
attended.
Cornell University Diversity and Inclusion Certificate, 2022
George Washington University, Master of Public
Administration, 2002
The University of Denver, Bachelor of Arts, 2000
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all
management level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
National Urban League, 8/2013 to present
Vice President, Policy and Legislative Affairs, 4/2018-
present
Senior Director, Policy and Legislative Affairs, 4/2016-3/
2018
Senior Director, Education and Health Policy, 8/2013-3/2016
U.S. House of Representatives, 9/2005-6/2013
Representative Karen Bass (CA-37), Senior Advisor/
Legislative Director, 1/2013-6/2013
Representative Al Green (TX-09), Legislative Director, 2/
2009-12/2011
Representative Joe Baca (CA-43), Legislative Director, 1/
2006-2/2009, Senior Legislative Assistant, 9/2005-1/2006
U.S. Senate, 8/2002-9/2005
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), Legislative Aide, 1/
2004-9/2005, Legislative Correspondent, 8/2002-12/2003
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Intern, 6/
2001-5/2002
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
National Association for Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO)
Congressional Fellow, 6/2000-8/2000
House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
See attached
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above, within the last ten years. None.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution within the last ten years.
Keystone Policy Center, Board of Trustees (2018 to present)
Hispanic Lobbyists Association, At-Large Board Member
(Present), Vice President (2017)
GW Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public
Administration, Advisory Board Member (2018-2021)
12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten
years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable,
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or
religiously affiliated organization, private club, or other membership
organization. (For this question, you do not have to list your
religious affiliation or membership in a religious house of worship or
institution.). Include dates of membership and any positions you have
held with any organization. Please note whether any such club or
organization restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color,
religion, national origin, age, or disability.
Army Navy Country Club, 2018 to present
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt. No.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.
Obama for America, Virginia Latino Vote Fellow, 2012
Managed paid canvass team to register, educate and turnout
Latino voters in support of President Obama's successful 2012
reelection. Managed a get-out-the-vote field program involving
110 Spanish-speaking volunteers in 23 high-density Latino
precincts in Northern Virginia.
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Field Director for
Pete Aguilar CA-31 Campaign, 2012
Recruited, trained, and managed volunteers & staff in the Pete
Aguilar for Congress campaign in California's new 31st
congressional district.
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
Not applicable.
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society
The Hill Top (Grassroots) Lobbyist List: 2021, 2020, 2019
17. Please list each book, article, column, Internet blog posting,
or other publication you have authored, individually or with others.
Include a link to each publication when possible. Also list any
speeches that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Do not attach copies of these
publications unless otherwise instructed.
Not applicable.
18. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'' you
have used on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account
is active, deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if
possible.
Active: Twitter: @SusieSDC
Active: Instagram: @susiedsaavedra
Active: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Susie.saavedra.10
Active: LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/susiefeliz
19. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each
testimony.
Not applicable.
20. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that
position?
I have two decades of experience working on Capitol Hill as an aide
to Senator Clinton, a legislative director to Representatives Joe Baca
(CA-43), Al Green (TX-09), and Karen Bass (CA-37), and subsequently as
the Vice President of Policy and Legislative Affairs for the National
Urban League. As a result, I bring an in-depth understanding of how
public policy is formulated, an extensive network across all levels of
government, the private sector, trade associations, and civil society,
and a track record of creating and then shepherding policy through its
congressional life cycle. I have also led diverse, legislative teams
for over 15 years. Finally, I bring a strong understanding of many
programs being implemented at the Commerce Department including those
related to broadband access, small business development, and skills
training given my experience managing these issues as a congressional
staffer and with the National Urban League. I am prepared to carry out
the role of Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental
Affairs at the Department of Commerce and am excited for the chance to
advance job creation, economic growth, and opportunity for all in our
Nation.
21. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency has proper management and accounting
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large
organization?
If confirmed, my main responsibility will be to work with the
Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Commerce as well as all leaders
within the Department of Commerce to respond to Congressional inquiries
in a timely manner. I would also be responsible for managing a team of
legislative and intergovernmental professionals who work with
Congressional and intergovernmental stakeholders every day.
I have two decades of experience working on Capitol Hill as an aide
to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, a legislative director to
Representatives Joe Baca (CA-43), Al Green (TX-09), and Karen Bass (CA-
37), and in nonprofit advocacy as the Vice President of Policy and
Legislative Affairs for the National Urban League. This experience has
provided me with a strong understanding of the legislative process and
the roles of Congress and the Executive Branch in public policymaking.
22. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency, and why?
The first challenge facing the Department of Commerce is related to
its strategic goal of driving U.S. innovation and global
competitiveness. The Department will continue to be on the front lines
of defense against foreign competitors and adversaries that engage in
harmful and illegal trade practices, steal intellectual property, and
permit cyber-attacks.
And the Department will continue to exert its authority to
facilitate trade abroad and issue trade restrictions and economic
sanctions on countries that threaten U.S. national security and foreign
policy interests. Finally, the Department will continue to play a
significant role in revitalizing domestic production and increasing the
resiliency and diversity of supply chains through investments in
American manufacturing, technological innovation, research, and
development.
The second challenge facing the Department of Commerce is related
to its strategic goal of fostering capitalism and growth to ensure all
Americans participate in the 21st century economy. This will include
employing historic public investments to ensure all Americans have
access to affordable broadband, workers have access to job training and
wrap around services that create pathway to quality jobs and women and
minority owned small businesses have the tools they need to grow and
thrive. The Department will also continue to employ place-based
investments to help underserved communities disproportionately impacted
by the COVID-19 pandemic get on the road to recovery and build long-
term economic competitiveness.
The third challenge facing the Department of Commerce is related to
its strategic goal of providing 21st century service with 21st century
capabilities. This will include effectively implementing new Department
of Commerce authorities and investments, optimizing the workforce, and
delivering exceptional customer service.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts.
National Urban League defined contribution plan. The plan
sponsor will not continue to make further contributions after
my separation.
National Urban League defined benefit plan. I will continue
to participate in this defined benefit plan.
National Urban League bonus. Pursuant to my employment
agreement, I recently received a performance-based bonus at the
end of Q1 2022 for services rendered in 2021. This bonus is
$11,200, worth 7 percent of my salary, and was paid on 4/13/22.
I have reported this in the appropriate section below.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. No.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Designated Agency Ethics
Official at the Department of Commerce to identify any potential
conflict of interest. Any conflict of interest will be resolved
according to the terms of an ethics agreement that I have entered into
with the Commerce Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official and
that will be provided to this Committee. In the event that an actual or
potential conflict of interest arises during my appointment, I will
consult with the Commerce Department's ethics counsel and take the
measures necessary to resolve the conflict.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Designated Agency Ethics
Official at the Department of Commerce to identify any potential
conflict of interest. Any conflict of interest will be resolved
according to the terms of an ethics agreement that I have entered into
with the Commerce Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official and
that will be provided to this Committee. In the event that an actual or
potential conflict of interest arises during my appointment, I will
consult with the Commerce Department's ethics counsel and take the
measures necessary to resolve the conflict.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest, and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Designated Agency Ethics
Official at the Department of Commerce to identify any potential
conflict of interest. Any conflict of interest will be resolved
according to the terms of an ethics agreement that I have entered into
with the Commerce Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official and
that will be provided to this Committee. In the event that an actual or
potential conflict of interest arises during my appointment, I will
consult with the Commerce Department's ethics counsel and take the
measures necessary to resolve the conflict.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy. None.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other
professional group? No.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or
any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees, and that
your department/agency endeavors to timely comply with requests for
information from individual Members of Congress, including requests
from members in the minority? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can
to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal
for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
Supplement to Questionnaire
May 18, 2022
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Chair,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Roger Wicker,
Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chair Cantwell and Ranking Member Wicker:
I write to supplement the committee questionnaire that I submitted
to the Committee on April 25, 2022 in connection with my nomination.
Below are corrected or supplemental responses to certain questions in
that questionnaire.
B. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy.
After discussing with the Committee the type of activity that this
question was intended to capture, I am able to provide information on
the following activities, most of which are covered in my resume which
I previously submitted to the Committee.
During my tenure with the National Urban League, I led the Urban
League's policy team in drafting policy priorities and developing
advocacy strategies to advance the Urban League's mission in education,
housing, health care, broadband access, small business development, and
job training.
I also helped to secure over six opportunities for the National
Urban League leadership to testify before Congress to promote the
organization's priorities around digital equity and inclusion,
workforce training, small business development, and education equity.
I helped to influence the modification of the following proposals
which are related to the Commerce Department's mission and have since
been signed into law:
Minority Business Development Agency Authorization Act under
the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act;
Digital Equity Act under the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act;
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Affordable
Connectivity Program under the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act;
Small Business Administration Small Business Community
Advantage Pilot Program under the American Rescue Plan;
FCC's Emergency Connectivity Fund under the American Rescue
Plan.
In addition, I helped influence the modification of the following
proposals which are pending before Congress:
National Apprenticeship Act of 2021
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022
I also helped draft comment letters on behalf of the National Urban
League for inclusion in the Federal Register related to the following:
Implementation of the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program
under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Docket No.
21-450)
NTIA implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act (Request for Comment, Docket No. 220105-0002, RIN
0660-ZA33)
As I noted during my committee staff interview, I was not a
registered lobbyist during the period covered, did not perform legal
work for NUL, and did not represent them as a ``client''. Further,
these activities did not constitute a significant part of my daily
responsibilities and in fact took up less than twenty percent of my
time. The majority of my responsibilities include managing a team,
drafting policies, executing a schedule of quarterly policy briefings
and an annual legislative policy conference, project management,
research, and keeping Urban League affiliate leaders current on Federal
policy changes.
Sincerely,
Susie Feliz.
______
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Senator Klobuchar. Thank you very much. Mr. Cravins.
STATEMENT OF DONALD R. CRAVINS, JR., NOMINEE
TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR MINORITY
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Mr. Cravins. Thank you, Senator. Good morning, Acting Chair
Klobuchar, Ranking Member Wicker, and my condolences to Senator
Cantwell and her family. Members of the Committee, it is an
honor to appear before you today as the first ever nominee for
Undersecretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development.
I am grateful to President Biden for the nomination, and I
thank him and Secretary Raimondo for their confidence in me. I
am joined this morning by my wife of 24 years, almost 25,
Yvette Puckett Cravins. She has been a tremendous partner and
an invaluable supporter in both my personal and my professional
life.
We have raised three wonderful children. Our oldest,
Dominique Claire, just completed her first year, the Washington
and Lee School of Law. My middle child, my son, Donald Cravins
the III, Trey, will be a third year cadet at the United States
Military Academy at West Point. I am sure he is sleeping right
now. He had duty last night, Senators.
And last but certainly not least is Chloe Denise Cravins.
She is a fifth grader and loves playing her clarinet. In many
ways, this is a full circle life moment for me. In 2009, I
began working just two floors above this room as the Staff
Director of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee.
But my desire to work on small business issues began well
before 2009. Early in my life, I developed a passion for the
success of minority owned businesses.
My parents, Donald Senior and Patricia, have owned and
operated a small business in Louisiana for over 30 years. And
during that time, members, I witnessed the unique struggles of
small, minority owned businesses, but I also realized the
potential of the American entrepreneurial ecosystem. Despite
obstacles, my parents, like millions of minority, American
minority business owners, they persevered and afforded my
siblings and me the benefits of our great country.
After graduating from Louisiana State University and
earning my law degree from the Southern University Law Center,
I successfully ran for the Louisiana State Legislature in 2004.
As a State representative and later a State Senator, I
represented hundreds of businesses. Many were minority owned,
and many were located in rural communities.
In the period following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, I
assisted my constituents with navigating the challenges related
to recovery and rebuilding. I became a voice for small
business. I became a champion for business owners.
And as a result, former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu chose me
to become Staff Director of the United States committee on
Small Business and Entrepreneurship upon her becoming chair.
While there, I played an integral role in the drafting and the
passage of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, negotiating
with stakeholders on both sides of the aisle, including the
Administration.
I organized multiple bipartisan hearings and roundtables
focused on and featuring minority businesses from both urban
and rural areas. I should note that during--that my commitment
to public service also motivated me to join the Army National
Guard during my time with the Committee.
In my current position as the Executive Vice President of
the National Urban League, I have continued my work and my
passion for entrepreneurship. The National Urban League
operates 13 entrepreneurship centers across America, focused on
the development of minority owned businesses, and I play a key
role in the success of those centers.
With the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
Act, the Minority Business Development Agency is expected to
increase its programing to support the Nation's 9.2 million
minority owned businesses. If I am confirmed, the MBDA will
operate as a data driven, policy focused agency aimed at
increasing minority business enterprises' access to capital,
contracts, Government services, and business opportunities.
MBDA will implement a significant research agenda to
identify economic conditions, market trends, and opportunities
that foster the growth and global competitiveness of the next
generation of minority business enterprises. If confirmed, I
will focus on three priorities.
First, I will assess the agency to determine its strengths
and its challenges and begin responsibly building the agency to
meet the full potential of the Act. Second, I will work to
ensure the MBDA is providing the support and the resources
minority business enterprises need to succeed.
Last, I look forward to expanding the geographic reach of
the MBDA to rural communities. In addition to my family and my
professional accomplishments, I am also proud of my military
career. I currently serve as a major in the Army National
Guard. If confirmed, I promise to serve the MBDA with the same
integrity I have exhibited as an officer in our Nation's
military.
Senators, I believe my unique life experiences, both in the
private and the public sector, make me the right American to
become the first Undersecretary for Minority Business in the
Department of Commerce. And I respectfully ask for your
consideration. Thank you.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Cravins follow:]
Prepared Statement of Donald R. Cravins, Jr., Nominee for Under
Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development, U.S.
Department Of Commerce
Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Wicker, and members of the
Committee.
It is an honor to appear before you today as the first ever nominee
for Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development. I am
grateful to President Biden for the nomination, and I thank him and
Secretary Raimondo for their confidence in me.
I am joined this morning by my wife of 24 years, Yvette Puckett
Cravins--she has been a tremendous partner and an invaluable supporter
in both my personal and professional life. We've raised three wonderful
children. Our oldest, Dominique Claire just completed her first year at
the Washington & Lee School of Law. My middle child, Donald Cravins,
III (Trey), will be a third-year cadet at the United States Military
Academy at West Point. And last but certainly not least, is Chloe
Denise Cravins. She is a 5th grader and loves playing her clarinet.
In many ways, this is a full-circle life moment for me. In 2009, I
began working just two floors above this room as the staff director of
the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee. But, my desire to
work on small business issues began well before 2009. Early in my life,
I developed a passion for the success of minority-owned businesses. My
parents, Donald Sr. and Patricia have owned and operated a small
business in Louisiana for over 30 years. During that time, I witnessed
the unique struggles of small, minority-owned businesses but also
realized the potential of the American entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Despite obstacles, my parents, like millions of American minority
business owners, persevered--affording my siblings and me the benefits
of our great country.
After graduating from Louisiana State University and earning my law
degree from the Southern University Law Center, I successfully ran for
Louisiana State Legislature in 2004. As a state representative and
later a state senator, I represented hundreds of businesses--many were
minority-owned, and many located in rural communities. In the period
following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, I assisted my constituents with
navigating the challenges related to recovery and rebuilding. I became
a voice and a champion for business owners. As a result, former U.S.
Senator Mary Landrieu chose me to become Staff Director of the U.S.
Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship upon her
becoming Chair.
While there, I played an integral role in the drafting and passage
of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, negotiating with stakeholders
on both sides of the aisle and the Administration. I organized multiple
bipartisan hearings and roundtables focused on and featuring minority-
owned businesses from both urban and rural areas. I should note that my
commitment to public service also motivated me to join the Army
National Guard during my time with the Committee. In my current
position as the Executive Vice President of the National Urban League,
I have continued my work and passion for entrepreneurship. The National
Urban League operates thirteen entrepreneurship centers across America
focused on the development of minority-owned businesses and I play a
key role in success of those centers.
With the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the
Minority Business Development Agency is expected to increase its
programming and support to the Nation's 9.2 million minority-owned
businesses. If I am confirmed, the MBDA will operate as a data-driven,
policy-focused agency aimed at increasing minority business
enterprises' access to contracts, capital, government services, and
business opportunities. MBDA will implement a significant research
agenda to identify economic conditions, market trends, and
opportunities that foster the growth and global competitiveness of the
next generation of minority business enterprises. If confirmed, I will
focus on three priorities. First, I will assess the agency to determine
its strengths and challenges and begin responsibly building the agency
to meet the full potential of its new mandate. Second, I will work to
ensure the MBDA is providing the support and the resources minority
business enterprises need to succeed. Lastly, I look forward to
expanding the geographic reach of the MBDA to rural communities.
In addition to my family and my professional accomplishments, I'm
also proud of my military career. I currently serve as a Major in the
Army National Guard. If confirmed, I promise to serve the MBDA with the
same integrity I've exhibited as an officer in our Nation's military.
Senators, I believe my unique life experiences, both in the private and
the public sector, make me the right American to become the first Under
Secretary for Minority Business Development and I respectfully ask for
your favorable consideration. Thank you.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Donald Ray
Cravins, Jr.
2. Position to which nominated: Under Secretary for Minority
Business Development, Department of Commerce.
3. Date of Nomination: May 9, 2022.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: 80 Pine Street, New York, New York 10005.
5. Date and Place of Birth: 07/31/1972; Houston, Texas.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Spouse--Yvette Puckett Cravins, Senior Counsel at Pillsbury
Winthrop Shaw Pittman
Daughter--Dominique Claire Cravins--Age 22
Son--Donald Ray Cravins, III--Age 20
7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school
attended.
Louisiana State University--BA, Political Science (1994)
Southern University Law Center--Juris Doctor (1998)
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all
management level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
Don Cravins Insurance Agency--sales agent (1994-1996)
John Breaux for U.S. Senate Reelection Campaign--Deputy
Campaign manager (1998)
McGlinchey Stafford PLLC--Associate Attorney (1998-2001)
Domengeaux, Wright, Roy, & Edwards, LLC--Associate Attorney
(2001-2009)
Louisiana State Legislature--State Representative (2004-2006)--
This was a management-level job that relates to the position
for which I am nominated.
Louisiana State Legislature--State Senator (2006-2009)--This
was a management-level job that relates to the position for
which I am nominated.
United States Senate--Staff Director and Chief Counsel of the
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee (2009-2013)--This
was a management-level job that relates to the position for
which I am nominated.
United States Senate--Chief of Staff, U.S. Senator Mary L.
Landrieu (2013-2015)--This was a management-level job that
relates to the position for which I am nominated.
Louisiana Army National Guard--(2011-2015)
District of Columbia Army National Guard (2015 to present)
The George Washington University--Adjunct Professor (2010 to
present)
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee--Deputy Political
Director (2015)
National Urban League--Senior Vice President of Policy (2015-
2018)--This was a management-level job that relates to the
position for which I am nominated.
Charter Communications--Vice President (2018-2021)
National Urban League--Executive Vice President (2021 to
present)--This was a management-level job that relates to the
position for which I am nominated.
9. Attach a copy of your resume. Attached.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above, within the last ten years. None.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution within the last ten years.
Please see responsive positions already reported in question 8
above, and the following:
Board Member--Energy Foundation
Board Member--Keystone Policy Institute
Advisory Board Member--Poder Latinx
Advisory Board Member--Louisiana Youth Seminar
President--Pinchback Group, LLC
Board of Directors--100 Black Men of Prince George's County
Chair--Alpha Political Action Committee
Board Member--Louisiana State University National Foundation
Board
Chair--NUL Federal Credit Union
Advisory Board Member--ALLvanza
Board Member--aParent Miracles Foundation
Trustee--Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Trust
12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten
years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable,
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or
religiously affiliated organization, private club, or other membership
organization. (For this question, you do not have to list your
religious affiliation or membership in a religious house of worship or
institution.). Include dates of membership and any positions you have
held with any organization. Please note whether any such club or
organization restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color,
religion, national origin, age, or disability.
West Point Parents Club of Maryland, DC, and Virginia--(2019 to
present)
The Rocks, Inc.--Life Member (2019 to present)
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.--Life Member (1991 to
present). This organization restricts membership to men.
100 Black Men of Prince George's County--Board of Directors
(2020 to present). This organization restricts membership to
men.
Louisiana State Bar Association--Member (1998 to present)
Louisiana Youth Seminar--Advisory Board (1998 to present)
Energy Foundation--Board Member (2020 to present)
Keystone Policy Center--Board Member (2018-2020)
Louisiana State University National Foundation Board--Honorary
Board Member (2018 to present)
Greater Washington Urban League Guild--Volunteer Member (2018
to present)
Alpha Political Action Committee--Chair (2020 to present)
NUL Federal Credit Union--Chair (2021 to present)
ALLvanza--Advisory Board Member (2021 to present)
Poder Latinx--Advisory Board (2019 to present)
aParent Miracles Foundation--Board Member (2021 to present)
National Bar Association--Member (2020)
Washington Bar Association--Member (2020)
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt.
Elected to the Louisiana Democratic State Central Committee--
2002
Elected to the St. Landry Parish, Louisiana Democratic
Executive Committee--2002
Elected to the Louisiana State House of Representatives--2004
Elected to the Louisiana State Senate--2006, reelected in 2007
Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, Louisiana's
7th Congressional District--2008
No campaigns have outstanding debt, and my campaign account is
closed.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.
I serve as the Chair of the Alpha Political Action Committee. This
is an unpaid position.
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
Troy Carter for Congress (10/18/21)
Troy Carter for Congress (02/17/21)
Klobuchar for Minnesota (07/22/21)
Warnock for Georgia (10/10/20)
Dr. Camron Webb for Congress (10/01/20)
Michael Blake for Congress (06/19/2020)
Michael Blake for Congress (09/30/2019)
Scott for Congress (09/23/19)
Alpha Political Action Committee (09/18/20)
Wes Moore for Governor of Maryland (10/28/21)
Friends of Anthony Brown (5/7/2022)
16. List all scholarships, fellowships. honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Army Meritorious Service Medal--2 awards
Army Commendation Medal--3 awards
Air Force Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal--2 awards
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Washington DC National Guard Homeland Defense Ribbon
Washington DC National Guard Emergency Service Ribbon
Louisiana National Guard Commendation Medal
Louisiana National Guard Emergency Ribbon
Southern University Law Center Hall of Fame Inductee (2018)
Southern University Law Center Distinguished Alumni Inductee
(2015)
Advocate of the Year--National Bar Association (2020)
Distinguished Alumni of Louisiana State University Inductee
(2015)
Professionalism Award--Louisiana State Bar Association Young
Lawyer Section (2003)
17. Please list each book, article, column, Internet blog posting,
or other publication you have authored, individually or with others.
Include a link to each publication when possible. Also list any
speeches that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Do not attach copies of these
publications unless otherwise instructed.
Publications
``Entrepreneurial Inequity in America'' (2022) https://
www.axios.com/2022/05/10/driver-of-the-racial-wealth-gap-
business-ownership
``How HBCUs help shape the entrepreneurial ecosystem'' (2022)
https://www
.thirdway.org/report/how-hbcus-help-shape-the-entrepreneurial-
ecosystem#: :
text=search%20for%20funding.,Specifically%3A,help%20entrepreneur
s%20find%
20external%20funding
Diversity Equity and Inclusion column: https://techcrunch.com/
2021/12/03/ dont-let-new-hybrid-workplaces-keep-the-old-
systemic-racism/ (2021).
``Smart Cities, Inclusive Growth: Harnessing the Enormous
Economic Promise of Next Generation Networks'' published in the
National Urban League's State of Black America Report (2018).
``21st Century Innovations in Energy: An Equiv Framework,''
published in the National Urban League's State of Black America
Report, (2016).
Speeches and Presentations
March 23, 2011--Small Business Growth-Louisiana Economic
Development, spoke on the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010.
April 19, 2010--``The Small Business Committee's Big Impact for
Small Business'' delivered to the International Economic
Development Council.
April 2, 2011--spoke to the California Black Chamber of
Commerce about the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010.
July 20, 2011--spoke at the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce's
Advocacy Day on the Hill.
April 13, 2012--spoke to the Greater Southwest Louisiana Black
Chamber of Commerce on the State of Small Business.
May 16, 2012--spoke to the Jefferson Parish, Louisiana Chamber
of Commerce Small Business Awards Luncheon.
May 31, 2012--spoke to the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
about the state of small business.
July 27, 2012--spoke at the National Urban League's Annual
Conference on the Small Business Ecosystem.
Developed and moderated Small Business Day at the National
Urban League's Legislative Policy Conference (2016).
November 3-4, 2016--created and moderated ``Advocacy Essentials
for Chamber of Commerce Leaders.'' The event was sponsored by
the Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame.
Testified before the Democratic Platform Drafting Committee of
the Democratic National Convention--(June 9, 2016)
Submitted written testimony to the Republican Platform Drafting
Committee of the Republican National Convention (2016).
Developed and moderated the Small Business Day at the National
Urban League Legislative Policy Conference (2017).
May 23, 2017--spoke at the Edison Electric Institute's Business
Diversity Conference about the state of minority business
enterprises.
18. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'' you
have used on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account
is active, deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if
possible.
Facebook--www.facebook.com/donald.cravins
Twitter--@don_cravins
LinkedIn--www.linkedin.com/in/donaldcravins
Instagram--www.instagram.com/donaldcravins
19. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each
testimony.
Testified before the U.S. House Financial Services Committee's
Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion at a hybrid hearing entitled
``The Legacy of George Floyd: An Examination of Financial Services
Industry Commitments to Economic and Racial Justice'' on June 29, 2021.
My testimony focused on the importance of America's financial
institutions in addressing the racial wealth gap and other inequities
that persist in our country.
20. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that
position?
My parents have owned and operated a small business for over 30
years. During that time, I witnessed the struggles of small business
ownership and the unique obstacles business owners of color encounter.
Despite these obstacles, the fruits of that business were a large
factor in my development and success and have shaped my passion for
supporting minority-owned businesses. Given the newly expanded mission
for the Minority Business Development Agency, I believe my background
and life experiences in the areas of minority business policy, my
management and budgeting skills, and as importantly, my leadership and
integrity affirmatively qualify me for appointment to the position of
Under Secretary.
Minority Business Policy. As a former state legislator, I
represented thousands of businesses, many of which were minority-owned
and many located in rural communities. In the period following
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, I became deeply aware of the challenges
businesses face related to recovery, insurance, and resiliency. During
my service as Chair of the Louisiana State Senate Insurance Committee,
I developed a solid reputation for being a voice and champion for
business owners. As a result of my work in Louisiana, I was chosen by
former U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu to become the Staff Director and
Chief Counsel of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and
Entrepreneurship in 2009. While there, I gained critical knowledge of
the committee process and the importance of oversight and
responsiveness to the United States Senate. I also played an integral
role in the drafting and passage of the Small Business Jobs Act of
2010, negotiating with stakeholders on both sides of the aisle and the
Administration. In my current position as the Executive Vice President
of the National Urban League, I have continued my work and passion for
entrepreneurship. The National Urban League operates thirteen
entrepreneurship centers across America focused on the specific
development of minority businesses. I play a key role in the oversight
and success of those centers and the programs they operate.
Management & Budgeting. As a legislator, I collaborated with my
colleagues to manage the state budget during challenging times in
Louisiana's history. When I transitioned to Federal service and became
Staff Director and Chief Counsel of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small
Business and Entrepreneurship, I managed the majority staff and budget.
I also served as an effective manager as Chief of Staff for former U.S.
Senator Mary L. Landrieu. In my current role as Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer of one of the Nation's largest
civil rights and community services organizations, I manage over one
hundred employees and a multi million dollar budget. In each of these
roles, I served as an effective leader, manager, and fiscal agent.
Integrity. Throughout both my professional and military careers, I
have served with integrity. I have never been disciplined or cited for
a breach of ethics or professional misconduct. I have also served
honorably as an officer in the Army National Guard.
21. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency has proper management and accounting
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large
organization?
If confirmed, I will be responsible for standing up a new
statutorily authorized agency. This will require management and
accounting controls, the oversight of an expansion, and growth to meet
the statutory requirements of the agency. As a former state legislator,
I have experience managing a public budget and being a fiduciary of
government spending. Also, as a former Staff Director, Chief Counsel,
and Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate, I have personally managed large
teams and large budgets. In my current position, I serve as the chief
operating officer of one of the Nation's largest civil rights and
community services organizations. Lastly, in my current capacity, I
provide oversight and guidance to thirteen entrepreneurship centers
operated by the National Urban League.
22. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department agency, and why?
With the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the
Minority Business Development Agency will be expected to increase its
programming and outreach to the Nation's more than 9 million minority-
owned businesses.
I believe the top three challenges also offer three areas of
opportunity and center around: (1) building capacity; (2) ensuring
minority business enterprises have the tools and resources needed to
level the entrepreneurial playing field; and (3) expanding the
geographic reach of the Minority Business Development Agency to rural
areas.
Building Capacity. It will be important to retain competent
personnel and recruit talented individuals who have a shared passion
for the success of minority-owned businesses. If confirmed, I commit to
assessing the agency to determine its strengths and challenges and
begin responsibly building a new agency according to the spirit and
intent of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Tools and Resources for Minority-Owned Businesses. Another
challenge/opportunity will be ensuring that minority-owned businesses
have the tools and resources to participate in the opportunities
afforded by Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Minority
Business Development Agency must lead the Federal Government's efforts
to promote the growth and global competitiveness of minority business
enterprises, which face unique challenges. Access to capital is the
number one impediment to the success of minority business enterprises.
If confirmed, I will work to ensure MBDA's nationwide network of
Business Centers, programs, and initiatives address the problem through
introductions to a national network of lending partners. The Minority
Business Development Agency, through its national network of Business
Centers, must continue to provide management and technical assistance,
capacity building, education, and training to ensure inclusive
entrepreneurship.
Expanding Reach to Rural America. One of the challenges and
greatest opportunities for the Minority Business Development Agency is
the mandate to extend its geographic reach to rural communities.
Although the Minority Business Development Agency has always provided a
diverse array of services such as its Specialty Centers for advanced
manufacturing, exporting, and procurement, I will work, if confirmed,
to ensure it has a laser focus on rural businesses as well.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts.
I have a Thrift Savings Account related to my service in the Army
National Guard.
I have a 401(k) plan with VOYA related to my employment with the
National Urban League.
I have a 401 (k) with Fidelity related to my employment at Charter
Communications.
I have a 403 (b) with Fidelity related to my employment with George
Washington University.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Designated Agency Ethics
Official at the Department of Commerce to identify any potential
conflicts of interest. Any conflict of interest will be resolved
according to the terms of an ethics agreement that I have entered with
the Commerce Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official and that
will be provided to this Committee.
In the event an actual or potential conflict of interest arises
during my appointment, I will consult with the Commerce Department's
ethics counsel and take the measures necessary to resolve the conflict.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Designated Agency Ethics
Official at the Department of Commerce to identify any potential
conflicts of interest. Any conflict of interest will be resolved
according to the terms of an ethics agreement that I have entered with
the Commerce Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official and that
will be provided to this Committee.
In the event an actual or potential conflict of interest arises
during my appointment, I will consult with the Commerce Department's
ethics counsel and take the measures necessary to resolve the conflict.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Designated Agency Ethics
Official at the Department of Commerce to identify any potential
conflicts of interest. Any conflict of interest will be resolved
according to the terms of an ethics agreement that I have entered with
the Commerce Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official and that
will be provided to this Committee.
In the event an actual or potential conflict of interest arises
during my appointment, I will consult with the Commerce Department's
ethics counsel and take the measures necessary to resolve the conflict.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest, and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Designated Agency Ethics
Official at the Department of Commerce to identify any potential
conflicts of interest. Any conflict of interest will be resolved
according to the terms of an ethics agreement that I have entered with
the Commerce Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official and that
will be provided to this Committee.
In the event an actual or potential conflict of interest arises
during my appointment, I will consult with the Commerce Department's
ethics counsel and take the measures necessary to resolve the conflict.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy.
In 2015, while serving as Deputy National Political Director at the
American Israel Public Affairs Committee, I educated members of the
American Pro-Israel community and members of Congress on the importance
of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship through foreign aid, government
partnerships, joint anti-terrorism efforts, and the promotion of peace
through a negotiated two-state solution.
In 2017, while serving as the National Urban League's Senior Vice
President for Policy, I contributed to the drafting of the National
Urban League Main Street Marshall Plan. The Plan focused on critical
infrastructure, education, and economic issues facing America and was
introduced as a component of the Jobs and Justice Act (H.R. 5785-115th
Congress (2017-2018). Also in 2017, I was part of a bi-partisan effort
imploring Congress to fund the Minority Business Development Act in the
FY2018 appropriations and recommending that MBDA provide an annual
policy report to Congress to address gaps in equity between minority
and non-minority owned firms.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other
professional group? If yes:
a. Provide the name of agency, association, committee, or group;
Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint,
or personnel action was issued or initiated;
April 22, 2008
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
On July 26, 2007, I filed a formal complaint with Louisiana State
Police and my local police department notifying them a political
adversary threatened me and my family with physical harm. Louisiana
State Police visited with the political adversary, and he ceased his
threatening behavior. On April 6, 2008, the political adversary
reengaged in threatening behavior, and I again filed a formal complaint
with the Louisiana State Police. On this occasion, he threatened to
ruin my professional reputation as an attorney by alleging he was owed
a fee for the referral of a legal client. A Louisiana State Police
investigation revealed that his allegation was unfounded. To further
perpetuate his threat, he presented this false allegation of
professional misconduct to my law firm. The law firm was ethically
obligated to report the matter to the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary
Board (LADB). The LADB investigated the matter, found it
unsubstantiated, and dismissed it. As a result of his threats and
actions, he was arrested on April 11, 2008, by Louisiana State Police
and charged with attempted extortion.
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
The complaint was found unsubstantiated, and the matter was
dismissed by the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain.
On May 28, 1992, when I was a 19-year-old college student, I was
arrested for misdemeanor driving while intoxicated in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana. On August 5, 1992, I pleaded guilty to the charges in the
19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The docket
number of the proceeding was 92-1151. At the time of sentencing, I
requested imposition of the sentence be deferred under the provisions
of Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 894. Article 894 allows
the court to suspend sentences for misdemeanors, permitting the offense
to be expunged from one's record if all the conditions are met. On
November 6, 1992, the State agreed to accept my plea of guilty under
Article 894 and not to oppose the sentencing under Article 894(b). The
Court held that since I abided by the conditions of my probation, the
offense should be dismissed under Article 894. The State also agreed to
expunge my record if I did not receive another DWI within 5 years.
Accordingly, on May 15, 1998, the DWI was expunged from my record.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain.
On May 28, 1992, when I was a 19-year-old college student, I was
arrested for misdemeanor driving while intoxicated in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana. On August 5, 1992, I pleaded guilty to the charges in the
19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The docket
number of the proceeding was 92-1151. At the time of sentencing, I
requested imposition of the sentence be deferred under the provisions
of Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 894. Article 894 allows
the court to suspend sentences for misdemeanors, permitting the offense
to be expunged from one's record if all the conditions are met. On
November 6, 1992, the State agreed to accept my plea of guilty under
Article 894 and not to oppose the sentencing under Article 894(b). The
Court held that since I abided by the conditions of my probation, the
offense should be dismissed under Article 894. The State also agreed to
expunge my record if I did not receive another DWI within 5 years.
Accordingly, on May 15, 1998, the DWI was expunged from my record.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or
any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees, and that
your department/agency endeavors to timely comply with requests for
information from individual Members of Congress, including requests
from members in the minority? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can
to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal
for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
Update to Questionnaire
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Chair,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Roger Wicker,
Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chair Cantwell and Ranking Member Wicker:
I am writing to update and correct my response to question E.4. on
the Senate Commerce Committee Nominee Questionnaire I submitted to the
Committee on May 21, 2022.
Specifically, question E.4. asks whether I or my spouse, or any
business over which we exercised control, ever failed to pay any loan
or similar obligation when due at final maturity, or whether I was ever
more than 180 days delinquent on any such loan obligation. I originally
answered ``Yes'' to this question. However, as I explained during my
interviews with your respective committee staffs, after having reviewed
my prior mortgage payment statements, I realized the correct answer is
``No.''
Thank you for considering my nomination.
Sincerely,
/s/ Donald Cravins
7/26/22
______
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Senator Klobuchar. Thank you very much to both of you.
Excellent job. And really impressive resumes and work and
passion for what you are doing. I think I will start out with
you, Ms. Feliz. We enjoy having Secretary Raimondo before this
committee. She is always prepared, so it is probably going to
make your job easier.
But one of your jobs, of course, is to update the Committee
on legislation and our staff impacting the broad mandate of the
Department. But in particular now with the passage of the
bipartisan infrastructure bill, one of my big priorities in
that bill was the broadband piece. Representative Clyburn and I
jointly led the broadband bill that was the model for the bill
that was incorporated.
And of course, Chairman Cantwell and Ranking Member Wicker
also led a lot of the efforts with regard to broadband. And the
law, as you know, entrusts the NTIA to distribute $42 billion
in National Telecommunications and Information Administration,
in grants for states to build out broadband to reach unserved
and underserved areas.
Could you talk about how you are going to coordinate the
work of the Commerce Department bureaus, State, local, tribal
governments to work with us in the Committee and raise
awareness of the investments that are available across the
board.
Ms. Feliz. Thank you for your question, Senator, and thank
you for your leadership in passing this historic investment in
high speed Internet for all Americans. I can understand why
this issue is so important to you.
And I know that this Administration shares your commitment
to ensuring all families and communities have access to high
speed Internet and also to ensuring coordination among the
various programs, broadband programs being implemented across
several agencies.
If confirmed, I commit to working with you and your staff,
consulting with the career staff in NTIA and respective
bureaus, and to keeping the lines of communication open as well
as ensuring there is transparency with respect to how the
Department is implementing these programs.
Senator Klobuchar. Very good. Thank you very much. Mr.
Cravins, Senator Wicker mentioned rural, and I have long been a
champion for rural exports, actually, because a lot of our
smaller companies in my State, and I am sure in his State, you
know, can't have experts on every country in the world or speak
the language, and then yet they have products that could do
very well abroad.
And Senator Hoeven and I actually introduced the Promoting
Rural Exports Act to establish a rural export center at the
U.S. Commercial Service, very important agency, UCS, to provide
support to rural businesses to help them export.
I think that MBDA currently operates four export centers
across the country to help minority owned businesses. Could you
talk a little bit about helping minority owned rural exporters
access global markets, which is so much of our global future
for our economy?
Mr. Cravins. Well, Senator, thank you so much for the
question and thanks for your leadership in this area. As I said
in my opening testimony, the rural piece, Senator Klobuchar and
Senator Wicker, is very important to me, as someone who grew up
in rural south Louisiana. If I am confirmed members, this is a
piece that I want to roll up my sleeves and get started working
on as soon as possible.
A couple of things I will say about that, Senators. One, I
know my reading of the Act is that in order for the MBDA to do
this work, this expanded work, $110 million is the floor for
what that will entail. And so I will ask the members that if I
am confirmed, you will see me again asking you for those
resources, Senator Klobuchar, so that we can build on what the
Act mandates the new agency will look like.
As far as exporting, as you have mentioned, there are four
centers that currently exist at the MBDA for exporting. When I
get there, I would like to assess what those centers do. I
would like to address whether or not there are any gaps in the
work that those centers do. Even though those centers are
located obviously in four cities, I don't think they are
limited geographically for the help that they can provide
nationwide.
And so I would like to see what is the technology like so
that if minority businesses in Minneapolis want to access and
need help, can they reach out to San Antonio or to Miami or
Houston or Arizona to do that? And if not, Senator, how can we
work with your team to change that?
And so, again, if I am confirmed, I will work very hard to
make sure that our rural piece talks about exporting,
manufacturing, and really just bringing the resources to
minority businesses in rural America, in some cases, for the
first time.
Senator Klobuchar. OK. We are seeing a manufacturing skills
gap estimated to leave over 2 million jobs unfilled by 2030,
could cost the U.S. economy big time. Minority owned
manufacturing firms represent over 10 percent of all U.S.
manufacturing firms and report similar challenges. Quickly, in
your opinion, what can Congress do to help minority owned
manufacturers get the resources they need to grow?
Mr. Cravins. I think we can--thank you, Senator. I think
what we can do is build upon the work, I think, that MBDA has
been doing with the creation of these four and the existence of
these four centers that are currently there.
I think we can use the power of the new Act, which allows
the Undersecretary to take testimony, to do research, to work
across agency, Commerce Department, as well as all
administrative agencies to see how we can leverage the
resources of the Federal Government.
Senator Klobuchar. Thank you. And I am going to just follow
up in writing on two topics local to me. Neighborhood
development center based in Saint Paul, has really helped
thousands of entrepreneurs in our State.
We are very proud of it and would like to get your views in
writing on working with these community based initiatives. And
then second, Mayo Clinic, also seeking out employees, has
combined with the Rochester, Minnesota branch of the NAACP to
work with our HBCUs across the country to recruit the next
generation of doctors, nurses, and others in the medical
profession.
So I will ask you about that in writing. I am going to,
after Senator Wicker finishes, turning over the gavel to
Senator Schatz who is here. And I want to thank both of you.
Thank you.
Senator Wicker. Thank you, Senator Klobuchar. I appreciate
that very much. Ms. Feliz, as Legislative Intergovernmental
Affairs Assistant Secretary, you are going to realize more and
more how diverse the Department of Commerce is. And so you can
be conversant about a number of issues.
I want to talk with you today about NOAA, the National
Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and particularly
their rules on a rather precise issue of the catch limit for
red snapper fishermen. And it may be that you haven't really
delved into this very much, but this is something that we are
going to have to deal with the Department of Commerce and with
NOAA.
There are annual catch limits in the Gulf of Mexico on red
snapper. As a matter of fact, there are limits established by
NOAA and by the Government that are deeply flawed to the
detriment of our sports fishermen in Mississippi. If allowed to
be implemented, it would reduce Mississippi's red snapper quota
by 60 percent. Dr. Spinrad, the NOAA Administrator, has said,
and I quote, ``there is no way the proposed calibration would
pass peer review.''
So we have the NOAA Director actually saying publicly that
this is flawed data. Now, on the other hand Ms. Feliz, the
State of Mississippi has implemented a very detailed assessment
called Tails and Scales, that actually involves catching a
number of red snappers, weighing them on the scales, and
providing that data.
Now, we had thought that NOAA would incorporate the data
that--the good data that we have provided in terms of the
annual catch limits in place of this flawed data, which Dr.
Spinrad said would never pass peer review. That sadly has not
been done. And it seems as though the agency, unless we make
some changes, is going to be going to push forward with this
flawed data.
And we just cannot tolerate that down in the state of
Mississippi. So will you commit to getting up to speed on this
issue, to making sure that the Secretary understands the
importance of this issue, as I know she does, and that you all
work with our friends at NOAA to make sure that this data is as
accurate as possible?
Ms. Feliz. Thank you for your thoughtful question, Senator.
I understand how important this issue is for you and your
constituents. Fishing in the Gulf Coast is a prosperous
industry that has a huge impact on the American people that you
represented in your home state of Mississippi.
Yes, Senator, I do commit to, if confirmed, getting up to
speed on this issue. I know this is an issue you care very
deeply about. And if confirmed, I will make a commitment to
work with you and your staff to ensure that we are listening to
your views and ensure that there are open lines of
communication as well as transparency with respect to how the
Department and Bureau is implementing this rule.
Senator Wicker. Thank you, ma'am. And I might add that one
reason I am going to be leaving this hearing early this morning
is to go and meet in my office with Dr. Spinrad. So, I think it
is a multi-thousand, thousand job issue and millions and
millions of dollars for our economy.
So thank you very much. Now, Mr. Cravins, I think it is
probably becoming clear to both of you that you are going to be
confirmed with flying colors. And so thank you, Mr. Cravins,
for saying and agreeing to follow through on rural minority
business development too. And I appreciate what you said about
being a military veteran. And I note Captain Feliz, retired
Navy Captain Feliz is here.
In my view, the United States military is the most
successful civil rights program in the history of the world.
And I witnessed it as an Air Force cadet answerable to minority
superiors when I was in college as an Air Force active duty
member, as an Air Force reservist.
So I appreciate the fact that you see that as a way to
perhaps draw some of the retirees that have had this great
leadership experience in this great civil rights experiment
into small business.
We have got 9.2 million minority businesses now. Is it
realistic to establish a numerical goal, do you think? And I
realize this is coming out of the blue, but do you think there
is some merit in saying by the end of x date we will have x
number of million?
Mr. Cravins. Senator, thank you for the question and thanks
for your leadership on this issue. Thank you for your
leadership and the support of the MBDA throughout the years. So
great question, Senator. And I think about it often. As a
military man, I do understand that goals are important.
Without them, we can't measure successes and we can't
measure failures. What I would say, and again, I can't speak
for the Administration until I am confirmed, I do believe,
though, some goals are important. What makes goals real or not
is that they are based upon input. And so if we were to create
goals, Senator Wicker, I would want to work with you and the
members of this committee.
I would want to work with stakeholders. I would want to
work with the men and women who have been doing this work for
over 50 years and set realistic, rational goals. And then we
could measure ourselves, Senator, so that when you call me
before this committee again for an oversight hearing, or to
answer some questions, I will have something I can measure it
by.
Without it, we just really kind of just shooting in the
dark, shooting blind. I think our minority businesses, you have
got 82,000 in Mississippi. I think they would want us to have
some reasonable, realistic goals for us to live by so that you
and I could go down and talk about these goals in Jackson.
I could go to the acorn State, and I will go as long as it
is not a Saturday, and it is football season. I will go to all
your schools----
[Laughter.]
Senator Wicker. That might be the very time to go.
[Laughter.]
Senator Wicker. Well, we are intruding on the time of other
members. Let me just say this, Senator Klobuchar, and to my
fellow members of the Committee, if we can have a breakthrough
in this area, I cannot express how important it would be to the
economy of this country. If we could have a quantum leap in
minority business entrepreneurship, that would be a game
changer. We are looking to you.
Senator Klobuchar. OK. So well said. Well, Senator Schatz,
we turn this over to you, knowing now that the Ranking Member
said these two nominees are going to go through with flying
colors. That is a lot on your shoulders, but I leave it in your
hands. Thank you.
STATEMENT OF HON. BRIAN SCHATZ,
U.S. SENATOR FROM HAWAII
Senator Schatz. Thank you very much, Senator Klobuchar and
Ranking Member Wicker. Senator Blunt is ready to ask questions
and I would be happy to defer to him.
STATEMENT OF HON. ROY BLUNT,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MISSOURI
Senator Blunt. Well, thank you, Senator. I am going to go
to the ceremony in the rotunda in a moment for the last Medal
of Honor winner from World War II. And that is why I am
leaving, not because I have any lack of interest in these two
jobs. I would say, Don Cravins understands a lot about the
Senate, a lot about the Congress, and fortunately because of
that, a lot about Missouri.
So I like that, and I understand your family commitment to
the Government and to these issues. You know, this new job, and
I may be missing some of your opening statements. Give me a
little bit of a summary of what you hope to have happen here.
This is a job we created in this Congress in a bipartisan
way to reach out in a way that we haven't before. How do you
see yourself building on that job and how do you see yourself
advocating for the businesses that we were hoping to include in
a more dramatic way?
Mr. Cravins. Senator, thank you so much for the question
and thanks for your commitment to minority businesses. As you
know, you have got almost 70,000 in your great State. Senator,
the reason why I was interested in this job was because, as you
know, the MBDA was created in 1969 by President Nixon.
And every President, Republican or Democrat since then, has
said we need a minority business development agency because
minority businesses are facing unique challenges in our
country.
Because of your leadership, this Congress's leadership, and
President Biden's leadership, for the first time, you all said
as well--and not only should the agency exist, but we need to
grow it, we need to make it intentional, and we need an
Undersecretary, real leadership, and an added level of
leadership to make the agency work and be intentional.
And so for me, Senator, this is a dream come true, a prayer
answered, to be able to do this work and to be able to do it at
such a level in this Administration and with this Congress. My
goals, Senator, are very quickly to, one, assess the agency to
see all of the great work it has been doing, but to address
gaps and challenges that maybe the current MBDA may be facing.
The second goal of my Senator is to grow it according to
the mandates of the Act. I joke, I have never had a job with a
better job description than this one. You all passed an 80 page
Act not even a year ago, saying expressly, this is what we want
our MBDA to look like.
This is who we want it to serve, and this is how we want
you to serve it. And so the second goal, Senator, is to make
sure that the team and I understand the Act. And then last,
Senator, we are going to execute.
And if we are fully funded, if we are funded according to
what you all said we need, I want to expand to rural areas. I
want to bring MBDA to a new generation. Our entrepreneurs of
today don't necessarily look like the entrepreneurs of
yesterday. Supporting those entrepreneurs of yesterday, but how
do we build the next generation?
The Act calls for the Parren Mitchell Grant program to be
created. Former Congressman Parren Mitchell, who, you know, was
a big, big promoter of minority businesses. I look at that
program as one, Senator Blunt, where we can go to HBCUs and
other minority serving institutions and we can invest in the
future entrepreneurs of this country.
So I hope you can hear the passion in my voice, Senator. I
am excited about this opportunity. I am asking for your support
to be confirmed, and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get
started.
Senator Blunt. Well, you are going to have my support to be
confirmed. And Ms. Feliz, I would say, you too have, you know,
the background in the House and the Senate. I think that to
have people in these jobs that understand the importance of
communicating with the legislative branch of Government and
helping reach out to be sure we are giving you the tools you
need, and at the same time you understand the intention of the
job you are asked to do.
And as the court recently put some new responsibilities or
reminded the Congress, rather, of its old responsibilities,
which was your job is to pass the laws, your job is not to
leave a lot of things that people who are appointed to jobs
have to try to figure out what you meant. And help us help you
do that as well.
So, Senator Schatz, thanks for letting me move forward
here. And best of luck to both of you and good to see you both
here today.
Senator Schatz. Senator Tester.
STATEMENT OF HON. JON TESTER,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MONTANA
Senator Tester. Chairman Schatz, thank you very much. Mr.
Cravins, thank you for being here and your willingness to
serve. I was part of the five Republicans and five Democrats
who worked together to get the bipartisan infrastructure
package done.
And why that is important, from your perspective, is that
it made permanent the Minority Business Development Agency. And
as a result, the agency's capacity and reach have been expanded
in what I think is a much needed way. I want to talk about
natives.
Can you talk about how this expansion of capacity will help
tribal communities, and what types of commitments you would
prioritize in that regard?
Mr. Cravins. Thank you so much, Senator Tester. And thank
you as well for your leadership and for your willingness to
support the MBDA. Senator, the native community, the indigenous
community is very important to me. It is important to me
because, one, I grew up in a community that was extremely
diverse.
And two, because of the work that I have done just
throughout my lifetime. I have represented members of the
community, and at the National Urban League, I am very, very
attuned to inequities that exist in underserved communities.
First of all, Senator, what I would do if confirmed is I would
look at the current programing that already focuses on the
native community.
And as you know, MBDA has several programs that focus on
the American Indian, Alaska Native, and the Native Hawaiian
communities. And so I would work on those, Senator, to make
sure that those are working, see if there are any gaps, and to
fill those gaps.
The other place, Senator Tester, that I think we can work
on to address the needs of the tribal, the native, the
indigenous communities--as you know, Senator, many of those
communities are located in rural communities, in remote rural
communities.
And so, again, if we fund the MBDA at the levels that you
all said we needed to be funded, the $110 million, and we can
really build out the rural entrepreneurship centers, I believe
many of those centers could focus on the indigenous, the native
populations.
Senator Tester. Boy, I have got a lot of questions. I will
just go with the first one that was top of my head, and I thank
you for your answer to that question. Now, how do you make sure
that that money has been actually getting to the ground and
doing what you intended to do?
Mr. Cravins. Senator, I think it is leadership. The type of
style that I have is you trust, you hire smart people, you hire
good men and women to do the job, but you verify. So I trust
but verify.
And so I believe that when you supported changing the role
of MBDA, expanding the role of MBDA, creating an Undersecretary
role for the MBDA, was that you wanted someone that you could
call to the mat if necessary, to ask those questions.
And so, Senator, I am going to make sure that if I am
confirmed that I lead that type of agency, I have those types
of individuals who are working for me, and that I can come and
talk to you to make sure it is getting done and being done
correctly.
Senator Tester. Appreciate that, Mr. Cravins. So I want to
talk about the reservations that don't have the necessary
physical infrastructure for business development. How do you
envision helping them?
Mr. Cravins. Thank you, Senator, for the question. I
envision helping them through technology. The fact that we are
having a hearing today and you are paying remotely, I know my
days at the Senate, even in 2009, that would have been unheard
of.
And the fact that we are all now able to zoom and meet
virtually, I believe we can amplify the existing resources. And
as we build out, we can amplify resources and we can meet
people where they are without having to necessarily build a
physical structure in every rural community or have a physical
presence in every single community.
I think through technology, Senator, smart technology, we
can service communities all across this great Nation.
Senator Tester. So let me ask you this. A lot of the tribes
may not know you even exist. How do you reach out to those
folks? What do you use? You are invited to come to Montana, and
we will do a tour of all seven reservations, but the fact is,
that is kind of impractical as it applies to all the
reservations in the country. How do you reach out to them? How
do you let them know what you have to offer?
Mr. Cravins. Thank you for the question, Senator. And that
is something that I look forward to. I think one of the most
pressing issues I look forward to. The MBDA has to amplify and
change its appearance. It has to amplify its knowledge.
And I think that is why you all made a--codified it so that
people do know that it exists. The honor of being the first,
Senator Tester, is a blessing but also in a burden of making
sure that that actually happens, that we make sure we get to
people, meet them where they are, and that they understand that
there is help for them.
And so, Senator, I am going to work very hard with the
existing centers. I am going to work very hard with the Members
of Congress. I am going to work very hard with--if we are fully
funded to create rural business centers.
And also, Senator, I will mention the Act also said, if
fully funded, we could create regional centers, which currently
the MBDA does not have regional centers. I believe regional
centers could also assist with the issue you raise about
awareness.
As you know, most of our Federal Governments have regional
offices and so people are able to access those offices nearer
to home. MBDA currently does not have that.
Senator Tester. Hopefully you are confirmed, and we will
stay in touch. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Senator Schatz. Thank you, Senator Tester. Senator
Blumenthal, it is good to see you.
STATEMENT OF HON. RICHARD BLUMENTHAL,
U.S. SENATOR FROM CONNECTICUT
Senator Blumenthal. Thank you, Senator Schatz, Mr.
Chairman. Good to see everyone there, and thanks for letting me
participate remotely in this way. Mr. Cravins, I share your
passion for support for minority owned businesses, and thank
you to Ms. Feliz as well, to your commitment to this cause.
In Connecticut, what we have seen during the pandemic, as
in many, many other parts of the country, I am sure my
colleagues have said it, is the impact has fallen
disproportionately on minority owned businesses, the hardship
and heartbreak has particularly impacted them.
And I wonder whether there is any light you can shed on not
only the need for capital, but also for technical assistance at
this critical time. Because as you have observed just now,
technology permits us to participate remotely in this hearing.
There are lots of ways that technology can aid or in other
ways impede development of minority businesses. So technical
assistance becomes very, very important. Wonder if you could
comment.
Mr. Cravins. Thank you, Senator Blumenthal, and thank you
so much for the question. I am speaking from my lens at the
National Urban League, where I have had an opportunity to see
firsthand how the pandemic has disproportionately affected
businesses of color.
What we know is that minority owned businesses were more
likely to see decreased revenue during the pandemic and to
experience a greater drop in employment than white owned
businesses.
Black owned businesses closed at twice the rate that white
owned businesses closed or their non-minority counterparts. And
to your point, those businesses, and that is why I think the
MBDA was codified, need help and they need assistance. And to
your question about technical assistance, I would say that I
think the MBDA through its current business centers, have been
providing that technical assistance.
If I am confirmed, first day on the job, we are going to
review those agencies, those business centers, and we are going
to see if there are any gaps, any challenges, and I am going to
have an opportunity to see firsthand how that work is being
done. If we are fully funded, we are going to expand on that
work according to the Infrastructure Act, the bill that you all
passed.
We are going to build rural centers, we are going to build
regional centers, and that is going to help with the technical
assistance. And so, Senator, I am--again, if we have the
opportunity to, if I have the opportunity to be confirmed, and
we can fully fund the agency, I think we can address those
issues.
We want to--I want to make sure, Senator, that when the
next recession or storm or whatever hiccup or challenge that a
minority business owner faces, that he or she are in a better
position to weather the storm. And what we found during COVID
is that many of our minority business owners were just not in
great conditions to weather the storm.
Senator Blumenthal. Did you find during your experience at
the Urban League that the Restaurant Revitalization Program had
a beneficial effect for many small business restaurants? I
found throughout Connecticut that restaurants survived and many
of them are now thriving because of the Restaurant
Revitalization Program, which unfortunately now has run out of
money, and I am hoping will be replenished. Maybe you can give
us your personal experience.
Mr. Cravins. Senator, thank you for the question. Yes, I
did find that based upon my personal experience, that programs
like the help that we provided, the Federal Government provided
to small businesses did in many instances help those businesses
make it. As I said, those businesses started out with less to
begin with. Many minority business owners don't have a nest
egg.
Many minority business owners, when the supply chains were
hit, it really impacted minority businesses. Because when they
raise their rates, it can lead to shuttering the doors. And so
the programs that the Federal Government put in place to help
those minority business owners, at least from my vantage point,
I did see that it prevented many--it helped and assisted many
of those business owners with staying alive, staying afloat.
Senator Blumenthal. Thanks, Mr. Cravins. Ms. Feliz, I have
a quick question for you. Are there changes that you anticipate
making in your office, assuming you are confirmed?
Ms. Feliz. Thank you for the question, Senator. I, you
know, if confirmed, I look forward to learning about the
processes in place at the Office of Legislative and
Intergovernmental Affairs to ensure that there are timely and
accurate responses to Congressional inquiries and oversight
requests, and assessing those processes that exist, and then
later making a determination if there are any that need
improvement. But I am very excited to work with the extremely
talented and dedicated public servants that are already at the
Department.
Senator Blumenthal. Thank you very much. Thanks very much,
Mr. Chairman, to you and the staff for accommodating me in this
way remotely. Thanks a lot.
Senator Baldwin. Thank you, Senator Blumenthal. Next is
Senator Hickenlooper.
STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN HICKENLOOPER,
U.S. SENATOR FROM COLORADO
Senator Hickenlooper. Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Cravins,
thank you for your service. Thank you both, Ms. Feliz as well,
for your service and for being here today. Mr. Cravins, I
applaud the minority business development agency's Enterprising
Women of Color Initiative in support of the fastest growing
population of entrepreneurs. If confirmed, how do you look at
coordinating with the Small Business Administration's Women's
Business Centers to help expand and support that initiative?
Mr. Cravins. Thank you so much for the question, Senator,
and thank you for your leadership in this space as well,
continued leadership. So as a former Staff Director of the
Senate Small Business Committee, I am very, very familiar with
the Small Business Administration and the wonderful work that
they do there, and that Administrator Guzman has been doing
since taking the role.
One of the programs that I have seen grow and really mature
and blossom is the Women's Business Center program. And so what
I most--one of the things that excites me the most about this
new role, if confirmed, is leveraging the skills and the
products of the SBA into the MBDA.
And the agencies are very different, but they complement
each other very, very well. And so one of the mandates you put
in this wonderful Act that you all created, this wonderful job
description, as I called it, is you tell me, you mandate that I
work across the Government to make sure that the minority
business issues are being intentional and intentionally
addressed. And so although the Women's Business Center program
work for all women.
The way I see myself working, is to make sure that women of
color, that their interests are being sought after and seen
after as well in that program. And so I want to do that with
the SBA. I want to do that with the Department of
Transportation, the Department of Defense. I want to be the
voice for the minority businesses of this country.
Senator Hickenlooper. Terrific. Good answer.
Mr. Cravins. Thanks, Senator.
Senator Hickenlooper. Ms. Feliz, and I am eager to make
sure everyone is aware that you have your degree from the
University of Denver, one of Colorado's proud assets. The
Office of Space Commerce recently announced new director
Richard DalBello.
The Office is undertaking a truly critical process of
developing an open architecture data repository, which
basically is a fancy language for a data base, to catalog
orbital debris and to enhance our awareness of what they call
space situational awareness, but the geometry of where that
debris is, where are the satellites, how do we make sure things
don't run into each other.
This data repository is going to help maintain the
sustainable and safe operations of civil space missions. And
Ms. Feliz, I guess what I would love to hear you talk about a
little bit is, are you willing to or are you committed to
making sure that we keep this committee informed of further
Congressional action necessary to support the growth and
mission of the Office of Space Commerce?
It is relatively new, and I think in these early years we
are going to need to have a close connection for conduit for
information.
Ms. Feliz. Thank you for your question, Senator. I
understand how important the Office of Space Commerce is to you
and other members of this committee. And if confirmed, I
certainly look forward to learning more about the programs
under the Office's jurisdiction and to keeping this committee
and working with your office and members of your staff to keep
you and this committee informed of any action needed to support
this critical mission.
Senator Hickenlooper. Great. Thank you. I appreciate it. It
is going to be important. And then, Mr. Cravins, how does the
MBDA interface with the SBA to ensure that minority business
owners have the support and the assistance to overcome the
obstacles that we know they face in terms of securing credit
that all underserved communities have to deal with?
Mr. Cravins. Thank you, Senator. I think the best way we
can interface with the SBA is to communicate well with the SBA.
As you know, the SBA has lending programs. The MBDA does not.
And so one role that the Undersecretary and the team have
confirmed could work on is to making sure that the SBA programs
are hitting their marks, that their lending programs are
hitting their marks, and that minority business entrepreneurs
are having an opportunity to participate in those programs.
As you know, the SBA has contracting goals as well. And so
I see a big role for an Undersecretary of Minority Business to
make sure those goals, that minority businesses are
participating in those goals, and that we are meeting those
goals as a Nation.
The other thing I would suggest, Senator, is in the Act,
that you have said that the Undersecretary can convene hearings
on capital access, can do research on capital access, and those
issues. And so I am hoping the agency will be funded so that we
can do that work and we can build the agency to the agency I
think you wanted it to be when you passed the Minority Business
Development Act last year.
Senator Hickenlooper. Absolutely. Thank you and thank you
both. I think Administrator Guzman is going to be very well
served by both of your tenure. Thank you. I yield back.
STATEMENT OF HON. TAMMY BALDWIN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM WISCONSIN
Senator Baldwin. Thank you. I am now going to recognize
myself for some questions. Mr. Cravins, Wisconsin is currently
served by minority business development agencies located in
Detroit and Chicago.
We are working on changing that and hope to have good news
from the MDBA soon in response to the announcement of
anticipated new locations in six states. As Undersecretary,
would you make opening and supporting new offices in states
that do not have them like Wisconsin, a priority?
Mr. Cravins. Absolutely, Senator. Thank you for your
question and thank you for your support. Senator, I hope I am
confirmed and in the job so I can come with you when we open
that center in the great state of Wisconsin. But yes, ma'am,
the Act is very clear.
Congress has said they want MBDA to touch people and meet
people where they are in all states. And so, as I have said
before, I think through technology we can do that. But I am
excited to see, that the men and women who are there now are
working to bring a center, hopefully, to your home state.
It is needed. And I look forward to working with you and
your team to make sure it is successful.
Senator Baldwin. Thank you. In an effort to promote
economic resiliency among minority businesses, one of the
requirements of the Minority Business Development Act is a
study on alternative financing solutions.
One financing solution that has been proven to increase the
resiliency of small businesses is the use of employee
ownership. Employee owned companies are twice as likely to
survive an economic downturn, and during the pandemic, they
were three times more likely to retain staff.
As Undersecretary, will you ensure that employee ownership
is considered among the alternative financing solutions studied
by the MBDA?
Mr. Cravins. Thank you, Senator, for the question. And you
know, last night I had an opportunity to read the Act again.
This job description, as I call that, and I read it with my
family, and I saw the section of the Act that you are talking
about.
It says Agency Study on Alternative Finance Solutions, and
it says we must conduct a study on opportunities for providing
alternative financing solutions to MBEs and submit to Congress
and publish on the website of the agency.
And so, Senator, if confirmed, looking very forward to
conducting the study, following the mandates of the Act. And
yes, ma'am, absolutely, we are going to look at alternative
ways to get equity and financing to minority businesses and
enterprises. As you know, it is the number one issue facing
minority business enterprises.
Senator Baldwin. Absolutely. One of the priority of the
MBDA is to provide Federal assistance to minority businesses in
the area of workforce development. As a strong supporter of
Federal apprenticeship programs, I have been concerned that the
number of black apprentices in Milwaukee has declined
significantly during the pandemic.
A further concern is the discrimination that black
apprentices report encountering upon entering the job market
after completion of their apprenticeship. I raised this issue
with Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, and I am confident that he is
prioritizing the issue at his agency.
But given the mission of the MBDA, it seems like there
might be an opportunity for a productive partnership there.
Would you commit to working with Secretary Walsh to connect
apprentices to minority businesses served by the MBDA?
Mr. Cravins. Thank you for the question, Senator. And as an
Urban League--an Urban Leaguer, as you know, apprenticeships is
a big part of what we do. And you are right, I am concerned
with the numbers that I am seeing across our great country.
Yes, ma'am, I absolutely commit to working with Secretary
Walsh. And I will go further, Senator, with other members of
the Administration as well, and their Departments, DOD, the
Department of Transportation, to work on apprenticeships across
the Government.
Senator Baldwin. Great. Thank you.
Mr. Cravins. Thank you.
Senator Baldwin. I have no further questions. I don't
believe there are any other members that have further
questions. So this concludes our hearing this morning. Thank
you, Ms. Feliz and Mr. Cravins, for appearing before the
Committee today and for your continued commitment to public
service.
Senators will have until Monday, July 19, at the close of
business to submit questions for the record to the Committee.
And the witnesses will have until the close of business on July
26 to respond to those questions.
Thank you, again, and that concludes today's hearing. And I
am supposed to gavel out, but I am going to use a bottle
instead.
[Laughter.]
Senator Baldwin. Thank you, again.
[Whereupon, at 11:01 a.m., the hearing was adjourned.]
A P P E N D I X
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Kyrsten Sinema to
Susie Feliz
Relationships with State and Local Governments. The Commerce
Department's Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs has the
responsibility to maintain relationships with Congress, as well as
state and local governments. This is especially important as the
Department continues to implement the Broadband Equity, Access, and
Deployment (BEAD) Program created in the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act, which will provide states and territories $42.45 billion over
five years to expand their broadband connectivity.
Question. If confirmed, how will you work with state and local
governments in Arizona to ensure that underserved areas receive
broadband access? Will you commit to working with state and local
governments to provide appropriate and clear guidance related to
broadband deployment?
Answer. If confirmed, I commit to working in partnership with NTIA
to ensure that state and local governments receive proper guidance and
a fair and equitable allocation of broadband deployment funding.
Relationships with Tribal Governments. The Assistant Secretary
position also serves as the Department of Commerce's point of contact
for tribal communities. Arizona is home to twenty-two federally
recognized Native American tribes. The Department is implementing the
Tribal Connectivity Program to enable more tribal communities,
especially those in rural areas, to receive broadband access.
Question. Will you also commit to working with Arizona's tribal
communities to ensure that tribal governments receive proper guidance
and a fair and equitable allocation of Tribal Connectivity Program
funding?
Answer. If confirmed, I commit to working in partnership with NTIA
and Arizona's tribal communities to ensure that tribal governments
receive proper guidance and a fair and equitable allocation of Tribal
Connectivity Program funding.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Jacky Rosen to
Susie Feliz
Tourism. Ms. Feliz, my Omnibus Travel and Tourism Act with Ranking
Member Wicker--which we like to call the ``TourBus''--is a top priority
for a broad coalition of bipartisan Senators and national organizations
working to support the travel and tourism industry in the U.S. and the
critically important workforce it employs. Nearly a dozen bipartisan
Senators are co-sponsors of the TourBus, which passed out of this
committee with unanimous support last year.
The TourBus would, among other things, coordinate Federal travel
and tourism policy across government by creating an assistant secretary
position at the Department of Commerce, someone focused every single
day on bolstering America's travel and tourism industry and
coordinating a strategy across multiple Federal agencies--like the
strategy I was glad to see the Department released last month and which
my subcommittee held a hearing on earlier this week.
Question. Ms. Feliz, I am thrilled that Secretary Raimondo strongly
supports our bill, including its provision to create an Assistant
Secretary for Travel and Tourism. She has committed, before this
committee and in private conversations, to working with me to help make
this happen. So, if confirmed, can you also commit to working with my
office and relevant committees in the Senate AND the House to pass this
bipartisan legislation to support the future of the travel and tourism
industry and our global competitiveness in the international travel
market?
Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I commit to working with your staff and
the relevant Congressional committees on this legislation.
NTIA Coordination and Oversight. I was proud to be part of the
group of Senators that helped draft key portions of the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law that Congress passed last year, including the
infrastructure title--which included my Middle-Mile Broadband
Deployment Act; NTIA's new Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment, or
BEAD program; and key cybersecurity provisions. This $65 billion-dollar
investment is crucial for communities in Nevada, including those living
in our rural communities. The pandemic highlighted the challenges
families faced without access to broadband. Left out the ability to
access remote work, telehealth, or government services, millions of
families suffered. That is why it's important that we make sure these
dollars actually go out to our unserved and underserved communities.
Question 1. Ms. Feliz, will you commit to working with my office to
ensure NTIA is following the Congressional intent of the Middle-Mile
Broadband grant program, the BEAD, and the cybersecurity provisions
laid out in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law?
Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I commit to working with your office to
ensure NTIA is following Congressional intent behind the Middle-Mile
Broadband grant program, the BEAD, and the cybersecurity provisions
laid out in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Question 2. Ms. Feliz, Nevada has a significant amount of Federal
lands, including military bases that will require extensive
coordination with DOD and the Bureau of Land Management. How will you
ensure NTIA works closely with their Federal counterparts to minimize
delays and unnecessary red-tape in deploying broadband in Nevada?
Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that NTIA works closely across
the Administration, including with DOD and with land-management
agencies, to minimize delays and unnecessary red-tape in deploying
broadband in Nevada.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Roger Wicker to
Susie Feliz
Question 1. Many of NOAA's Notices of Funding Opportunity for funds
appropriated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) include
considerations of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Not
only were none of those considerations included in the BIL funding, the
layering on of additional requirements often discourages historically
disadvantaged groups from applying for grants.
Has NOAA examined how to make the grants application more
accessible, rather than layering on requirements that were not
included in the BIL? Did NOAA work with disadvantaged
communities in developing the NOFOs and grant applications? If
so, how was such feedback incorporated?
Answer. I understand the importance of making sure diversity,
equity, inclusion, and accessibility are considered in implementation
of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). If confirmed, I will work
with NOAA to ensure this focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and
accessibility continues in implementing BIL funding.
Question 2. In March, President Biden and European Commission
President Ursula von der Leyen announced an agreement ``in principle''
to replace the invalidated EU-US Privacy Shield framework. Before the
framework was struck down by the European Court of Justice in 2020, the
Privacy Shield provided the legal basis for the transfer of data
between the United States and the European Union. American companies,
in particular small and medium-sized businesses, relied on the legal
certainty provided by the Privacy Shield to conduct digital commerce
across the Atlantic. In the years since, companies and consumers have
lacked this certainty and have eagerly awaited a replacement framework.
Ms. Feliz, last Congress, this committee held a hearing on
the invalidation of the EU-US Privacy Shield and its impact on
the continuity of transatlantic data flows between the EU and
the United States. In March, President Biden announced an
agreement in principle to replace the invalidated EU-US Privacy
Shield framework.
The establishment of a durable and lasting data transfer
framework between the United States and the EU that provides
meaningful data protections to consumers, sustains the free
flow of information across the Atlantic, and encourages a
continued economic and strategic partnership with our European
allies is very important to this Committee. Would you commit to
keeping this Committee informed on any progress that is made to
finalize the agreement between the United States and Europe to
replace the Privacy Shield framework that was invalidated in
2020?
Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I commit to keeping this Committee
informed on any progress that is made to finalize the agreement between
the United States and Europe to replace the Privacy Shield framework.
Question 3. It has been brought to my attention that after almost
three months, Department of Commerce officials have not yet submitted
Secretary Gina Raimondo's QFR responses for the Commerce Committee's
hearing held on April 27, 2022, titled, ``Department of Commerce Fiscal
Year 2023 Budget Priorities.''
In light of this situation, how will you plan to insure
timely QFR responses, and other required responses, to Congress
if confirmed to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs?
Answer. If confirmed, I commit to working with the bureaus and
Department-level offices to appropriately prioritize responses to
Congress, while at the same time ensuring that such responses are
thoughtful and responsive. I will also examine the response-drafting
process to determine whether there are areas for improvement or
increased efficiency.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Duckworth to
Donald Cravins, Jr.
NOFO. In April, the MBDA published the NOFO for the Minority
Colleges and Universities grant program which will provide funds to
eligible institutions to develop entrepreneurship curriculum and
training activities. The grant program, along with the MBDA, was
authorized as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which
specifically defined eligible institutions as ``an institution of
higher education described in any of paragraphs (1) through (7) of
section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1067q(a))'', includes Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) and Asian
American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions
(AANAPISI) along with Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and
Universities (TCUs), Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (NHSIs) and
Alaska Native Serving Institutions (ANSIs). However, in the NOFO, MBPA
decided to exclude PBIs and AANAPISIs in their definition of eligible
minority serving institutions.
Question 1. Please describe the unique role and impact of PBIs and
ANNAPISIs have in higher education.
Answer. Minority Serving Institutions are an integral part of our
U.S. higher education system. Predominantly Black Institutions were
first recognized by Congress through the Predominantly Black
Institution Act of 2007. As that law states, PBIs are essential and
often mission-driven in providing postsecondary access and training to
low-and middle-income black and other minority students. In addition,
the institutional category of PBIs officially emerged in the Higher
Education Opportunity Act of 2008, the bill that reauthorized the
Higher Education Act of 1965. Unlike Historically Black Colleges and
Universities, a group of institutions that initially came into being in
1837, which are primarily four-year institutions, and 1890 land-grant
institutions established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890; the vast
majority of PBIs are public two-year colleges.
PBIs are concentrated in the South, Midwest, and East,
predominantly in urban areas. While most PBIs enroll a student body
that is more than 50 percent black, some have a student body that is as
much as 75 percent black. White and Latino students are usually the
second largest racial group enrolled. Like other MSIs, PBIs serve a
population of students who are mainly low-income and are often the
first in their families to attend college.
Additionally, PBIs account for 3 percent of all postsecondary
institutions, yet enroll 9 percent of all Black college students. Given
the changing demographics of the United States and the role of higher
education in promoting upward mobility, PBIs play a critical role in
their communities by providing access and credentials to an
increasingly diverse student body.
The role of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-
Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) and their contributions to the success
of AAPI college students is also a vital one. AANAPISIs received their
designation as an MSI in 2007 through the College Cost Reduction and
Access Act, which expanded in 2008 under the Higher Education
Opportunity Act. The AAPI population is composed of over 48 ethnicities
that are diverse in socioeconomic class, language, religion,
educational attainment, and migration history, among other attributes.
AAPIs are among the fastest-growing minority groups in the United
States, with a predicted population increase of 125 percent (to over
40.1 million) by 2060. Given these increasing numbers and the complex,
heterogeneous composition of the AAPI population, higher education
institutions must have a deeper understanding of AAPI students and
their needs.
Question 2. Please describe how MBE benefit from MSIs, including
PBIs and ANNAPISIs.
Answer. MBEs benefit from MSIs, such as PBIs, AANAPISIs, and NHSIs,
because MSIs serve and enrich their communities, not just their
students. MBEs can access talent, skills, and technology support from
MSIs. Specifically, MBEs can find employees or partners who look like
them and understand their culture, heritage, and, potentially,
linguistic abilities.
Similarly, PBIs and AANAPISIs are helping to train and develop the
next generation of Black, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific
Islander (AA & NHPI), and other indigenous entrepreneurs, which would
mean more established MBEs in our communities and decreasing the MBE to
non-MBE gap in our economy.
Question 3. If confirmed, will you continue to exclude PBIs and
ANNAPISIs from MBDA programs and funding opportunities?
Answer. If confirmed, I can commit to you that PBIs and AANAPISIs
will be included in MBDA programs and funding opportunities.
It is my understanding that the law requires AANAPISIs to be
included within the groups eligible to receive MBDA's services. The
language of Executive Order 11625 and 15 CFR part 1400 include Asian
Pacific Americans, Alaskan Natives, and Asian Indians, and notes that
MBDA serves these groups in its MBDA Business Center program and other
programs. However, I know that AANAPISIs were not included in MBDA's
recent Minority Colleges and Universities Notice of Funding Opportunity
because the Notice is based on the congressional language and committee
report identifying the specific colleges and universities that should
be eligible to compete for the funding, which included Historically
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions
(HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), Native Hawaiian
Serving Institutions (NHSIs), and Alaska Native Serving Institutions
(ANSIs).
If confirmed, I would welcome the opportunity to work with your
team to ensure that MBDA programs and funding opportunities are
inclusive of more MSIs that serve students of color.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Jacky Rosen to
Donald Cravins, Jr.
Entrepreneurial Development Assistance For Underrepresented
Students. In Nevada, minority-owned businesses are an integral part of
our communities, but unfortunately the pandemic posed a significant
challenge to their continued success. It is vital that minority-owned
businesses have access to adequate resources to foster growth, and
Congress must begin these investments earlier, providing aid to
startups and entrepreneurs. That's why I introduced the Minority
Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act with Senator Tillis. This bipartisan
legislation would establish a Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program
to award grants to Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to promote and
increase opportunities for minority student business ownership and
entrepreneurship.
Question 1. Mr. Cravins, how important is it to extend outreach and
mentorship to communities of color to jumpstart more entrepreneurship?
Answer. It is of the utmost importance to extend outreach and
mentorship to communities of color to promote and grow the idea of
entrepreneurship. As you are likely aware, while growth rates in
entrepreneurship are increasing compared to rates of participation in
the labor market, there are systemic challenges for minority
entrepreneurs. HBCUs and MSIs have historically played an integral role
in supporting communities of color, giving graduates the tools and
experience to enrich civic and economic life/engagement. HBCUs and MSIs
are important engines of economic growth and public service and are
proven pillars for intergenerational advancement. However, often, these
institutions lag sufficient resourcing. I understand that MBDA
currently plays a role in supporting HBCUs and MSIs through their
investments and if confirmed, I will continue to connect with and
engage HBCUs and MSIs across the country to see how we can further
cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Outside of engagement with MSIs, MBDA also has several pilot
programs that focus on the unique needs of minority entrepreneurs--such
as the Enterprising Women of Color Initiative and the Formerly
Incarcerated Entrepreneurship Program. In fact, the MBDA Act even calls
for the development of Rural Business Centers to be created around the
country in connection with MSIs; investments like this help jumpstart
entrepreneurship for communities that are too often left behind. If
confirmed, I would welcome the opportunity to partner with you and the
Committee to discuss outreach and mentorship opportunities to help
jumpstart minority entrepreneurship.
Question 2. Mr. Cravins, under your leadership, how will the
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) address the needs of
aspiring young student entrepreneurs at Minority Serving Institutions
(MSIs)? And how will you support greater diversity in entrepreneurship?
Answer. I think implementing the MBDA Act as you and your
collegiate envisioned will be a crucial first step. I understand that
MBDA's current grants to MSIs invest in the next generation of students
and young entrepreneurs who will help lead the way. The current program
provides funding for entrepreneurship programs, including curricula,
courses, seminars, and replicable products and tools, that teach
students how to develop businesses and commercialize products and
services in the domestic and global marketplace. The MBDA Act calls for
an expansion of this work through national coverage of MBDA's
traditional Business Centers and implementation of the Rural Business
Center program--which requires partnership with MSIs. I confirmed,
commit to working with the team at MBDA and of course, you and the
Committee, to understand other ways MBDA can support MSIs across the
country.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Kyrsten Sinema to
Donald Cravins, Jr.
Minority Business Development Agency Codification. The Minority
Business Development Agency (MBDA) was codified under the provisions of
the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The legislation also
expands MBDA's national footprint by authorizing regional offices and
creates the Undersecretary of Commerce for Minority Business
Development.
Question 1. If confirmed, how will you strengthen and expand the
Minority Business Development Agency consistent with the IIJA?
Answer. Through the MBDA Act--Congress provided valuable tools for
strengthening and expanding the MBDA in a number of ways. First, the
Act calls for MBDA to meet our communities where they are. If
appropriated the full funding amount, MBDA will be able to implement
the (1) Rural Business Center Program, (2) establish regional offices,
and (3) invest in community-based organizations already fighting for
MBEs and minority entrepreneurs. Second, the Act provides MBDA with the
authority to coordinate across the Federal government on matters
involving minority businesses. Lastly, the Act codifies and expands
MBDA's current programs, including the flagship Business Centers and
investments in Minority Serving Institutions through the Parren J.
Mitchell Program.
Question 2. How will MBDA determine where to locate regional
offices? If confirmed, are there any specific criteria you intend to
use?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the career and political
staff at MBDA to understand the work that is being done in this space.
I will also consult with you and other members of the Committee on how
best to establish a presence to meet the needs of your constituents.
As you may be aware, MBDA previously ran and operated various
regional offices throughout the Nation before being eliminated by a
previous administration.
Now, with the passage of the MBDA Act of 2021, it is my
understanding the law requires the Agency to establish a regional
office for each of the regions of the United States.
Furthermore, according to the Act, the purpose of these regional
offices will be to expand the reach of the Agency and enable the
Federal Government to better serve the needs of minority business
enterprises in the region. This would be accomplished by (1) working
with MBDA Centers that are in that region; (2) working with resource
and lending partners of other appropriate Federal agencies that are in
that region; (3) seeking out opportunities to collaborate with regional
public and private programs that focus on minority business
enterprises; and (4) promoting business continuity and preparedness,
among other priorities provided by the Act.
If confirmed, I intend to fully carry out the law as envisioned by
Congress.
Small Business Opportunities on Tribal Lands. Tribal communities
face unique challenges in starting new businesses. In northern Arizona,
the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe continue to face repercussions from
the closure of Navajo Generating Station (NGS) near Page, and the
resulting closure of the Kayenta Mine that supplied NGS. The power
plant and mine provided stable, good-paying jobs to many tribal
members.
Question. How can the MBDA provide assistance to tribal members
looking to open their own small business in economically distressed
communities?
Answer. Thank you so much for this question. If confirmed, I will
continue the work MBDA is doing through American Indian, Alaska Native,
and Native Hawaiian (AIANNH) and MSI programs to further support Tribal
and native business growth by addressing strategic initiatives such as
(1) innovation and entrepreneurship, (2) strategic planning, and (3)
transformative projects.
I also believe that, if fully funded, the MBDA will implement a
Rural Business Center Program that can and will assist Tribal and
indigenous communities and entrepreneurs. These programs are operated
by community-based organizations and/or MSIs that are engrained in the
community and understand the unique challenges they face.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ray Ben Lujan to
Donald Cravins, Jr.
FY 2023 Budget. The Minority Business Development Agency serves a
vital role uplifting minority owned and operated businesses, like the
many that power New Mexico's economy. Last year, I was proud to work
the Ranking Member and other members of this Committee to fully
authorize the Minority Business Development Agency, making it permanent
in statute for the first time in its 50-year history. I'm glad that Mr.
Cravins has been nominated as the first undersecretary in the Agency's
history, and am confident that the experience and expertise he brings
to the Agency will allow them to expand and grow pursuant to the
mandate in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The bipartisan infrastructure bill authorized $110 million to
enable the Agency to fully meet its mission and reach every corner of
our Nation to uplift and support minority owned and operated
businesses. This includes establishing regional centers, and standing
up a new program to establish Rural Business Centers at minority-
serving institutions. During the FY22 funding cycle, Congress
appropriated only $55 million--half of what was authorized. As a
result, the Agency did not have sufficient funding to stand up several
vital programs established in the bipartisan infrastructure bill,
including the Rural Business Center program.
Question. Mr. Cravins, can you speak to the importance of MBDA
receiving the full $110 million for Fiscal Year 2023, as requested by
President Biden, to carry out its mission?
Answer. As you know, the $110 million requested by President Biden
for Fiscal Year 2023 is identical to the authorization level set by
this Committee in the MBDA Act. The very same Act that created the
Under Secretary position I am being considered for. This funding is
profoundly important to implementing the MBDA Act and carrying out the
mission of MBDA as envisioned by Congress. This mission includes (1)
strengthening the administration of existing and new programs, (2)
providing technical assistance and research opportunities to our
business centers and enterprises, (3) hiring additional staff or
otherwise increasing capacity to reestablish regional offices, and (4)
establishing Rural Business Centers which you have helped champion. The
Rural Business Centers would partner with Minority Serving Institutions
around the country to support MBEs which is particularly close to my
heart as a person born in rural Louisiana. These are just a few of the
tenants of the MBDA Act that are critical to MBDA's ability to support
communities around this country and are contingent on funding.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Raphael Warnock to
Donald Cravins, Jr.
MBDI. Minority and community development financial institutions are
time-honored institutional forms. Only 2.6 percent of insured
institutions are currently designated as Minority Deposit Institutions
(MDIs). Since 2014, the number of MDIs has decreased across the United
States from 175 to 142. MDI community banks have generally decreased
since 2001 with only 20 currently in the United States, which is less
than half of the number that existed in 2001.
Question. What role do you see the Minority Business Development
Agency in supporting MDIs? How will you partner with other Federal
agencies to support MDIs going forward?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with you and your
staff on this very important issue and commit to engaging with the
career and political staff at MBDA to discuss the importance of MDIs as
they play a vital role in assisting minority and underserved
communities and are resources to foster the economic viability of these
communities.
Today, access to capital continues to be the number one barrier for
minority businesses. The MBDA Act gives MBDA the ability to coordinate
across Federal agencies like the Department of Treasury on matters
impacting MBEs. Minority depository institutions (MDIs) are federally
insured depository institutions for which 51 percent or more of the
voting stock is owned by minority individuals, and thus, are MBEs. Just
as with all MBEs, the Agency will ensure that MDIs are represented in
intergovernmental/agency discussions and prioritized to ensure their
success and growth in an everchanging market and economy.
Federal Suppliers. The U.S. Federal government is the largest
purchaser of goods and services in the world. Federal government
purchases can have a substantial impact on the success of small
businesses. The current government target is that 5 percent of all
procurement should go to small, disadvantaged businesses, a significant
portion of which are minority-owned.
Question. What role do you see the Minority Business Development
Agency in encouraging a diverse base of Federal suppliers?
Answer. It is my understanding that MBDA already plays a role in
this space, specifically through the Business Center & Specialty Center
Programs which provide technical assistance to MBEs seeking Federal
contracts. The MBDA also funds a Federal Procurement Center which is
located right here in Washington, D.C. The MBDA Act also provides MBDA
with the authority to coordinate across the Federal government on
matters involving MBEs, including Federal procurement. If confirmed, I
commit to working with the team on this matter and leveraging the tools
Congress provided MBDA through the MBDA Act. If fully funded, MBDA
regional offices will allow the Agency to build and strengthen
relationships with state and local officials and work to make MBEs more
competitive for federally funded programs at the local level.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Roger Wicker to
Donald Cravins, Jr.
Question 1. In June 2018, the MBDA awarded nearly $2 million in
grants to four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
These grants allowed HBCUs to increase their ability to compete for and
receive Federal research and development funds, establish partnerships
with Federal laboratories and other technology resources, increase STEM
entrepreneurship, and compete for Federal contracts. At NOAA, for
example, none of the agency's 19 cooperative institutes is at an HBCU.
Mr. Cravins, I have been working with Federal agencies to
increase participation of HBCUs in Federal research programs. I
am particularly concerned with the fact that none of NOAA's
Cooperative Research institutes are located at an HBCU. The
MBDA has a history of working with HBCUs to increase their
ability to compete for Federal research and development funds.
Will you commit to continue working with me to ensure that
Federal research agencies are working with HBCUs?
Answer. Yes. Research on Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) is
sorely lacking and HBCUs, as well as other Minority Serving
Institutions (MSIs) can play an important role in working with Federal
research agencies, including MBDA, in closing this gap. If confirmed, I
look forward to working with you and your team on this issue.
Question 2. The MBDA has previously worked with the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to share knowledge and
develop strategies to increase the number of minority businesses
participating in NIST programs, services, and contracting
opportunities. NIST's mission is to develop and promote measurements,
standards, and technology to enhance productivity, facilitate trade,
and improve the quality of life. NIST runs both the Manufacturing
Extension Partnership Program (MEP), and the Manufacturing USA
institutes.
Mr. Cravins, what role do you see NIST and the Manufacturing
Extension Partnership (MEP) network playing in supporting minority
businesses? How can the MBDA help identify those small-to-mid sized
minority businesses that could benefit from the MEP programs and
services?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with fellow
Commerce bureaus on advancing MBE and minority entrepreneurs'
interests. Through MBDA's existing programs, the Agency works with many
MBEs, including those in manufacturing. MBDA also has a number of
Specialty Centers focused on providing technical assistance to MBEs in
advanced manufacturing.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Marsha Blackburn to
Donald Cravins, Jr.
Question 1. The Covid-19 pandemic took a significant toll on small
businesses across the country. Through no fault of their own, many of
them did not survive and were forced to close. Fortunately, we have
seen a resurgence, with many people shifting careers to take a step
towards entrepreneurship.
However, not all places are experiencing this. In low-income, rural
areas, it is increasingly hard for entrepreneurs to get the support
they need to get their businesses off the ground.
How do you plan to ensure minority business owners in rural
America receive the help they need?
How can Congress best support and reach entrepreneurs in
low-income areas?
Answer. As I mentioned in my opening testimony, rural communities
are very important to me as someone who grew up in rural south
Louisiana. You are absolutely correct that lowincome communities were,
and still are, disproportionately impacted by the economic toll of the
pandemic and, in many ways, are precisely a community of entrepreneurs
that MBDA is positioned to help uplift. The MBDA Act provides a clear
framework for how this Committee expects MBDA to expand its presence in
rural communities, which includes the creation of Rural Business
Centers across the country by partnering with Minority Serving
Institutions (MSI) as well as regional offices to provide direct
assistance to areas that need tailored support to fit their community
needs. If confirmed, I will work with you and your colleagues to secure
the necessary funding and ultimately implement these important tenants
of the MBDA Act.
Finally, I plan to listen. I would like to hear directly from rural
communities about what more MBDA can be doing to support them, hear
from MBDA career staff about what they think should be done, hear from
you and your colleagues about what more MBDA can do to make itself more
accessible to communities.
To best serve lowincome entrepreneurs, I implore Congress to engage
with the MBDA to provide much needed resources and support to their
local MBEs, MSIs, and MBCs, and also request appropriations funding
that aligns with the MBDA Act's authorization.
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