[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 2, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONFIRMATION OF GINA MARIE RAIMONDO

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to express my support for 
the confirmation of Governor Gina Raimondo, an experienced and 
dedicated public servant, to be Secretary of the Department of 
Commerce. I believe Gina Raimondo's extensive leadership experience 
serving the people of Rhode Island as Governor positions her well to 
lead the Biden administration's ambitious agenda at the Department of 
Commerce.
  As Secretary of Commerce, Governor Raimondo will take on challenges 
that directly affect my home State of Maryland. That starts with 
fighting for an inclusive economy with shared prosperity that truly 
works for everyone. The struggles of low-income and minority 
communities hardest hit by the pandemic have shone a harsh light on 
inequities ingrained in our economy. We must root out these structural 
problems by supporting the work of vital institutions like the Minority 
Business Development Agency and Economic Development Administration. 
And small businesses will continue to need assistance for the remainder 
of the COVID-19 pandemic and long afterward to ensure that we emerge 
from this crisis with a more resilient economy. We also need to ensure 
that the United States can compete in international trade by leveraging 
the International Trade Administration's enforcement capabilities and 
strengthen our manufacturing sector by harnessing the power of the 
National Institute of Standards and Technology, located in 
Gaithersburg. We must also support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration's work to fight the devastating impact of climate change 
and protect Maryland's Chesapeake Bay. Finally, we must improve and 
depoliticize our census process, which still faces challenges of data 
accuracy, quality, and protection.
  I am confident in Gina Raimondo's ability to take on these urgent 
challenges. I voted yes on her nomination and look forward to working 
closely with her in the years ahead to build a resilient economy that 
works for every American.

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