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Friday, March 29, 2024 | Back issues
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Senate Confirms Billionaire Investor as Commerce Secretary

The Senate on Monday night confirmed billionaire investor Wilbur Ross as President Donald Trump's commerce secretary, and cleared the path for the imminent confirmation of Rep. Ryan Zinke as the nation's next interior secretary.

WASHINGTON (CN) - The Senate on Monday night confirmed billionaire investor Wilbur Ross as President Donald Trump's commerce secretary.

Following a string of contentious, partisan votes on Trump's nominees, Ross enjoyed relative bipartisan support, receiving approval from the Senate by a 72-27 vote. After Democrats walked out of or delayed some committee votes for Ross's new colleagues, the 79-year-old coasted through his confirmation process, receiving a voice vote from the Senate commerce Committee at the end of January.

Ross compiled his estimated $2.9 billion net worth by turning around failing steel, textile and coal businesses. He was the chair of W.L. Ross & Co., and served as an economic adviser to Trump during the campaign. He was critical of the Trans Pacific Partnership, a trade deal that Trump pulled out of as one of his first acts in office.

The Senate has now confirmed 15 out of 22 Trump Cabinet or Cabinet-level picks requiring confirmation.

Shortly after Ross's confirmation, the Senate cleared the way for a vote on President Trump's nominee to head the Interior Department, Rep. Ryan Zinke.

Senators voted 67-31 Monday evening to limit debate on the Zinke, and a final vote on confirmation could occur on Tuesday or Wednesday.

During his confirmation hearing, the Montana Republican rejected Trump's claim that climate change is a hoax, saying it is indisputable that environmental changes are affecting the world's temperature and human activity is a major reason.

The Interior Department and other U.S. agencies control almost a third of the land in the West and even more of the underground "mineral estate" that holds vast amounts of coal, oil and natural gas.

As for Ross, he told senators the Trump administration will work quickly to re-do the North American Free Trade Agreement. That's the massive trade pact with Canada and Mexico that has boosted trade but still stings laid-off workers across the Midwest.

"Mr. Ross will bring decades of business, entrepreneurial and civic experience to this important position," said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., chairman of the Commerce Committee. "I believe his extensive management experience in the private sector, and his understanding of the challenges faced by workers and businesses alike, will equip him well for the job of leading the Department of Commerce."

Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts criticized Ross' business ties to Russia and the way he ran a mortgage lender during the housing crisis.

"Mr. Ross has extensive ties to Russia. He plans to keep making money from his major oil shipping companies while working as Commerce Secretary. He's made billions off the backs of struggling home owners," Warren said Monday. "He is practically a cartoon stereotype of a Wall Street fat cat."

As part of his ethics agreement, Ross is giving up his position at Diamond S. Shipping, but he will retain a stake in the company, which ships petroleum and other products. As part of the agreement, Ross has promised not to take any action as commerce secretary that would benefit any company in which he has a financial interest.

During the presidential campaign, Trump criticized U.S. trade deals, including NAFTA. Trump's stance on trade is at odds with many Republicans in Congress, but it endeared him to some voters in the Midwest who believe trade deals cost American jobs.

NAFTA was negotiated and signed by President Bill Clinton, with broad support among Republicans in Congress.

Ross said all free trade agreements should be systematically re-opened every few years to make sure they are working in the best interests of the U.S.

Ross said he is pro-free trade but noted his close relationship with the United Steelworkers union as proof that he will fight to protect American jobs. The union has endorsed him.

The commerce secretary has several roles in promoting American business interests in the U.S. and abroad. The department handles trade issues, working to attract foreign investment to the U.S. The department also oversees agencies that manage fisheries, weather forecasting and the Census Bureau, which will conduct a count in 2020.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Categories / Government, National, Politics

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