Gov. Raimondo Named Biden’s Commerce Secretary

“I congratulate Governor Raimondo on her nomination to be U.S. Commerce Secretary. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Governor Raimondo on a number of major initiatives, including our partnership to launch a once-in-a generation statewide school construction program, expand investments in green infrastructure, and keep the state financially secure through the COVID-19 pandemic. I know her to be capable and talented, and I have full confidence that she will serve our country well in this new role. It is a source of pride for Rhode Islanders to have one of our own represented in the President’s cabinet. I look forward to continuing to work with Lt. Governor Dan McKee in service of the people of our state.”

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Rhode Island’s senior senator and a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), which oversees the commerce department’s federal spending, endorsed the choice of Governor Raimondo as its chief.

 Reed pointed out that Raimondo earned an undergraduate degree from Harvard, secured a Rhodes Scholarship, graduated from Yale Law School, and started her own venture capital firm before becoming the first female Governor in Rhode Island’s history.

“I have known Gina Raimondo since she was a baby, so of course I’m a little biased here.  But I can unequivocally attest that she is a talented, thoughtful, hard-charging, and effective leader,” Reed said.

By tapping  Raimondo for the key post, President-elect Biden has selected someone with the skills and experience to solve pressing economic and trade challenges during a time of unprecedented economic strain, Reed said.

“Gina Raimondo is someone who carefully studies the issues, is always well-prepared, and has a proven track record of being a pragmatic, progressive problem solver.  She is an extremely effective manager who really listens to different perspectives, asks the right questions, and then brings people together to execute.  She has demonstrated the ability to forge partnerships to create jobs and expand opportunities,” Reed said.

“President-elect Biden’s nomination of Governor Raimondo is an excellent choice.  The American people are getting someone who will work 24/7 on their behalf.  Commerce Department employees are getting a terrific new boss who will listen to them, support them, lead from the trenches, and get the very best out of them by holding them to the same high standards she holds herself.  And Congress will be getting a partner who is an honest broker of unquestioned integrity.  She is forthright, transparent, and accountable.  She doesn’t sidestep thorny issues or kick the can down the road, but tackles tough challenges head on and has been successful at every step of her career,” he added.

“Congratulations to Governor Gina Raimondo on her nomination by President-elect Joe Biden to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, ” said Congressman Jim Langevin, “This is an incredible honor, and I am thrilled that a great ally and champion for our state will be part of the President’s cabinet. Throughout her tenure, Governor Raimondo has demonstrated her commitment to spurring economic growth and expanding opportunities for hard-working Rhode Island families.”

“As a fierce advocate for the Ocean State, the Governor made improving our business environment a priority. The signs of progress are visible throughout the state as entrepreneurs, businesses of all sizes, and wide-ranging industries continue to invest and grow. In the midst of the global pandemic, Governor Raimondo also offered strong leadership that helped save lives, safeguard communities, and keep families afloat in unprecedented times, Langevin said.