Ranking Member Cartwright Statement at the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request Hearing for the Department of Commerce

Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA-8), Ranking Member of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Subcommittee's hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Request Request for the Department of Commerce:

Thank you, Chairman Rogers, and I join you in welcoming Secretary Raimondo back to the Subcommittee.  

Madam Secretary, I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that the Department of Commerce is more central to our national interests than ever, and responsible for a broader-than-ever set of priorities.

The Department is at the forefront of critical efforts driving American competitiveness, national security, and technological leadership. You are responsible for overseeing billions of dollars to help expand access to broadband, maintaining export controls that protect our national security, identifying weaknesses in our supply chains, providing accurate and reliable weather forecasting, bringing good jobs to distressed communities, jump-starting our semiconductor manufacturing industry, conducting an accurate census, advancing the trade interests of American businesses, and leading the way on safety and development for critical emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

And that’s just a sample of your highest profile work.

I look forward to hearing about the Department’s commitment to keeping manufacturing, our supply chains, and overall global competitiveness strong.

The President’s fiscal year 2025 budget request of $11.4 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Commerce represents an increase of 5.9 percent for the Department’s important and diverse missions – all of which are critical for the success of American workers and businesses in the 21st century.

The request focuses on many of the Department’s needs, and it was interesting to read the Census request as the Bureau prepares for the 2030 census. It seems like just yesterday we were gearing up for the 2020 census.

The Department continues to implement key components of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Programs under these Acts will expand broadband access across the country and revitalize America’s competitive edge in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing.

I look forward to further discussing these and other issues at this hearing, and thank you, Madam Secretary, for your ongoing work and for your testimony today.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back.