WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nomination hearing for Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) conveyed his support for President Trump’s nominee, Paul Dabbar. Sen. Cruz highlighted Mr. Dabbar’s public and private sector experience, including stints as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy and as Under Secretary for Science at the Department of Energy, a position to which he was confirmed unanimously.

Mr. Dabbar will draw on his experiences to help the U.S. maintain leadership in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, commercial space, and advanced manufacturing. If confirmed, Mr. Dabbar will also help tackle issues, such as expanding commercial access to mid-band spectrum and fixing the Biden administration’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which failed to connect a single American to high-speed internet. U.S. leadership in spectrum is vital for American national security and economic success.

Sen. Cruz also addressed trade policy, praising the administration’s efforts to fix supply chain vulnerabilities and support American workers, while warning that long-term tariffs could hurt small businesses and the middle class. Sen. Cruz concluded by expressing hope that the Commerce Department will pursue more advantageous trade agreements with U.S. allies.

Here are Sen. Cruz’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Today, we will consider the nomination of Paul Dabbar to serve as Deputy Secretary of Commerce.  Mr. Dabbar, congratulations on your nomination.  We look forward to hearing about your professional experience and your vision for supporting and complementing Secretary Lutnick’s leadership of the Department.

“As Deputy Secretary, Mr. Dabbar will serve as the second-in-command at the Department.  He will oversee daily operations and help tackle a wide array of issues, from fixing Biden’s failed BEAD program, which connected not a single American to high-speed internet, to countering climate alarmism at NOAA.  No small tasks.

“Mr. Dabbar has an impressive background.  After graduating from the United States Naval Academy, he served as a nuclear submarine officer for six years.  He then earned an M.B.A. from Columbia University before going to work at J.P. Morgan for nearly two decades.  There, he oversaw more than $400 billion in energy investments, spanning oil, gas, nuclear, solar, wind, and geothermal energy.  

“During the first Trump administration, Mr. Dabbar was unanimously confirmed as the fourth Under Secretary for Science at the Department of Energy.  In that role, he managed a workforce of tens of thousands of personnel across more than 100 sites, with a $14.5 billion budget.  He oversaw the majority of U.S. national laboratories at a time when they faced a growing threat of Chinese espionage.  He implemented the National Quantum Initiative Act and sought to spur the development of next-generation energy storage technologies.

“Following his tenure at the Department of Energy, Mr. Dabbar co-founded Bohr Quantum Technology, a pioneering cybersecurity company developing quantum networking systems.  If confirmed, he’ll draw on his technical expertise and entrepreneurial experience to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of science, government, and industry.  I will note that he has the explicit support of five former cabinet secretaries from both Republican and Democratic administrations.

“This nomination comes as the Department of Commerce works to preserve access to the Gulf for oil and gas exploration, expand commercial access to mid-band spectrum, and maintain U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence, quantum, commercial space, and advanced manufacturing.

“It also comes amid a public trade battle.  President Trump is rightfully standing up to China and working to reshore industries vital to our national security.  But we should be mindful that long-term tariffs on manufacturing inputs and other goods could function as a de-facto tax increase on small businesses and the American middle class.

“My hope is that Commerce Department leadership will work alongside the President to steer a course that addresses our supply chain vulnerabilities and restores dignity to the American worker, but aims for freer trade with our allies, not across-the-board protectionism.  There are two paths before us: one that uses tariffs strategically to secure better trade deals, and one that locks them in place indefinitely.  

“Just this week, Secretary Lutnick has touted an international trade deal now in its final stages.  The President has also signed a proclamation offering relief to the auto industry following the results of a Commerce Department Section 232 investigation into the import of automobiles and automobile parts.  These are signals the administration wants to use its trade authorities to secure better deals for the American people.  

“I am confident Mr. Dabbar, an experienced dealmaker himself, can assist in this effort.  I hope he will outline for us today the path he plans to take under the direction of the President.”

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