The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee held a confirmation hearing for Howard Lutnick for secretary of commerce on Jan. 29, 2025. At the time the hearing ended, the committee had not scheduled a meeting to vote on his nomination. Lutnick must receive a majority approval vote in the committee before his nomination can be put up for a confirmation vote before the full Senate. 

President Donald Trump (R) nominated Lutnick on Nov. 19, 2024. Trump said of Lutnick’s nomination, “I am thrilled to announce that Howard Lutnick, Chairman & CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, will join my Administration as the United States Secretary of Commerce. He will lead our Tariff and Trade agenda, with additional direct responsibility for the Office of the United States Trade Representative.”

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee is chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) is the ranking Democratic member. To watch the full hearing, click here.

This was the eighth day of confirmation hearings for Trump’s Cabinet nominees. The first hearing was held on Jan. 14, 2025, for secretary of defense nominee Pete Hegseth. To read more about the confirmation process for Trump’s Cabinet nominees, click here.