Scott: “The stakes are high, and the American people deserve a team that is ready to go to work.”
Washington, D.C. – Today, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-S.C.) led a hearing to consider the following nominations for positions in the Trump administration:
- Mr. Ben DeMarzo, to be Assistant Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Mr. Craig Trainor, to be Assistant Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Mr. John Jovanovic, to be Chairman, Export-Import Bank
- Mr. Francis Brooke, to be Assistant Secretary, Department of the Treasury
- Mr. David Peters, to be Assistant Secretary, Department of Commerce.
From increasing access to quality, affordable housing to ensuring U.S. businesses can compete and win on a level playing field, Chairman Scott emphasized that each position will be critical in delivering on President Trump’s agenda for the American people.
Chairman Scott’s opening remarks as delivered:
I want to begin by extending a warm welcome to the five nominees who are before us today.
Let me thank you each of you for your willingness to serve our country and to take on some really important roles to move our economy forward.
We recognize the personal and professional sacrifices that public service often entails, and we are grateful for your readiness to contribute your time, energy, and expertise at a pivotal moment of our economy and for American competitiveness around the world.
Today’s hearing is focused on a new group of well-qualified individuals whose leadership will be central to advancing President Trump’s pro-growth, pro-America economy.
This agenda is built on expanding opportunity, promoting investment, and putting American workers first.
Each of these positions under consideration today is essential to that mission.
From enforcing export laws and revitalizing our trade posture to improving housing access and bolstering financial stability.
These nominees would be entrusted with responsibilities that affect millions of Americans’ daily lives and livelihoods.
Let’s begin with housing.
We have two HUD nominees before us today, Mr. DeMarzo and Mr. Trainor.
If these two will be confirmed, you will each serve in distinct but deeply interconnected roles that are essential to fulfilling HUD’s mission.
Mr. DeMarzo, your role will be to ensure that HUD remains responsive and accountable to the American people by fostering strong partnerships across all levels of government.
And Mr. Trainor, you are charged with safeguarding the principles of fair housing, ensuring that every American, regardless of race, background, or ZIP code, has a real shot at the American Dream.
Whether it’s a single mother in Charleston like the one that raised me and my brother or a veteran returning home and trying to rebuild his life, Americans are looking for leadership that not only understands their needs but also acts accordingly.
Should you be confirmed, the work before you will be challenging, but it carries a profound purpose.
Your efforts will not only touch individual lives but also help shape a stronger, more responsive housing system for generations to come.
Mr. Jovanovic, as nominee to lead the Export-Import Bank, you step forward at a moment of real consequence.
American exporters and manufacturers face fierce competition, especially from China and other state-backed companies who don’t always play by the rules.
The Ex-Im Bank is a vital tool for ensuring U.S. businesses can compete and win on a level playing field.
Mr. Brooke, at the Treasury Department, you would be tasked with representing U.S. financial institutions abroad.
This includes securing fair international trade and investment deals and leveraging relationships with multilateral development banks to grow U.S. leadership in the global economy.
And finally, Mr. Peters, your role at the Department of Commerce will help secure American innovation.
From manufacturing and semiconductors to emerging technologies that will define the 21st-century economy, we will enforce our export control laws and bring violators to justice.
Each of you brings a strong track record of public service and private sector experience.
Just as important, you bring a clear understanding of the mission at hand. The stakes are high, and the American people deserve a team that is ready to go to work.
I look forward to hearing from each of you today.
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