WASHINGTON— U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a member of the Senate Banking Commitee, released the following statement after the Senate voted 72-27 to confirm Wilbur Ross to serve as the next Secretary of the Department of Commerce (DOC):

“The Secretary of Commerce is critical to promoting American economic interests abroad, as well as fostering innovation, science, and a welcoming environment for foreign investment in the United States. 

“While I have misgivings about some of the positions Mr. Ross took at his confirmation hearing, including questionable trade policy that would disrupt strategic economic relationships with Mexico and Canada, he also has offered a reassuring view of respect for scientific research and the role of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which conducts vital research on climate change. 

I was further encouraged by his comments concerning expanding broadband infrastructure – a prerequisite to growing our nation’s digital economy – as well as his support for modernizing the federal government’s IT, including full implementation of the DATA Act. Mr. Ross’s comments on technology policy, which embrace the benefits of new technology while coping with the dislocation it potentially brings to American workers, indicate another important area for collaboration.  

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