Pelosi Statement on Nomination of Wilbur Ross for Commerce Secretary

November 30, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after it was reported that Wilbur Ross has been chosen to serve as the next Secretary of Commerce:

"President-elect Trump continues to tap champions of the special interests to lead the nation's most critical posts.

"Choosing a practiced corporate raider to head the Commerce Department reflects Republicans' disdain for hard-working Americans struggling to make ends meet. With sprawling conflicts of interest and a troubling record on worker safety, Democrats have serious concerns that Wilbur Ross's corporate interests will trump the concerns of American families, entrepreneurs and our economic security. The wide-ranging portfolio of the Commerce Department – touching on everything from the census to the climate – makes a special interest agenda especially troubling.

"Americans deserve a Commerce Secretary who is dedicated to encouraging innovation, empowering small businesses and creating good-paying jobs, rather than one with a history of exploiting American workers. Democrats will continue to fight against the continued trickle-down economics championed by Republicans and expand opportunity for all Americans, not just the privileged few."