Lutnick backs Commerce unit that promotes minority businesses

Driving the news: During Lutnick's confirmation hearing, Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D.-Del.) asked the nominee if he supported continuing the Economic Development Administration and the MBDA. He said he did.

She followed up by asking if he would support expanding funding for the MBDA.

• "I think it's small, so it's hard for it to be successful. It can be effective," he said. "It's important to put things in their size perspective, and it's a small agency, as you know."

Background: The MBDA works on expanding access to capital, markets and contracts for businesses led by minority entrepreneurs.

• It dates back to 1969 and was created during the presidency of Richard Nixon.

Catch up fast: One of Trump's first move was to roll back federal DEI programs via executive order, which has led to concerns that anything similar would also be driven out of government.

• The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Lutnick's testimony.