[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S965-S966]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                      Nomination of Howard Lutnick

  Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I rise in support of the nomination of 
Howard Lutnick to be Secretary of Commerce.

[[Page S966]]

  Two weeks ago, Mr. Lutnick appeared before the Commerce Committee, 
where he received a warm reception from Senators. The following week, 
he was reported out with bipartisan support, underscoring that many 
Commerce Committee members see Mr. Lutnick as highly qualified to serve 
as Secretary of Commerce.
  Mr. Lutnick has demonstrated great resilience and grit throughout his 
life. As he revealed at the hearing, growing up with some real personal 
adversity has given him a deeper understanding of the challenges faced 
by ordinary working Americans.
  He lost both of his parents before his 18th birthday, and he put 
himself through college and helped to raise his younger siblings.
  On 9/11, Howard personally witnessed the fall of the Twin Towers. On 
that day, he lost two-thirds of his staff, including his own brother. 
Few men can recover from an experience like that, but Howard not only 
rebuilt Cantor Fitzgerald, but he made it into an international 
powerhouse with 13,000 employees and operations in more than 20 
countries.
  Just as importantly, he has dedicated his rebuilt company to helping 
support the families who lost loved ones on 9/11. He created the Cantor 
Fitzgerald Relief Fund to ensure that the families of employees who 
were killed received healthcare and millions in financial support. And 
he continues to serve as a board member of the National September 11th 
Memorial.
  Over the next few years, Mr. Lutnick will lead on key issues vital to 
the success of America's economy: expanding commercial access to 
midband spectrum, keeping the gulf open for oil and gas exploration, 
and spurring a resurgence of manufacturing in America.
  Mr. Lutnick will ensure that American taxpayer dollars are spent 
efficiently and that Congress gets ``the benefit of the bargain'' on 
legislation like the Chips and Science Act.
  Mr. Lutnick has earned the support of nearly 50 organizations and 
associations. From agriculture to aviation, broadband to manufacturing, 
companies across the spectrum support President Trump's selection of 
Howard Lutnick to serve as Secretary of Commerce.
  As the Wireless Association put it, ``Mr. Lutnick's leadership will 
bring a fresh, innovative approach to the Department of Commerce.'' He 
will ``advance policies that promote innovation, foster economic 
growth, and strengthen America's position as a global leader in 
wireless technology and digital transformation.''
  Mr. President, it is my hope that, given the bipartisan support Mr. 
Lutnick received in committee, the full Senate will follow suit and 
agree that he is the forward-looking leader focused on jobs who we need 
at the Department.
  I urge my colleagues to support Howard Lutnick's nomination for 
Secretary of Commerce.