Senate confirms Howard Lutnick as Trump's secretary of Commerce

• Lutnick, a billionaire who co-chaired Trump's transition, was confirmed 51-45.

The big picture: During his nomination hearing, Lutnick said he supports setting standards for AI without hampering the U.S. in a tech race against China, country-by-country tariffs, making sure government programs are efficient, and freeing up spectrum for commercial use.

• He also testified that he opposed Project 2025's recommendations to break up the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which comprises the majority of Commerce's budget during non-census years.
• The Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee voted 16-12 on Feb. 5 to recommend Lutnick's nomination to the full Senate.

Zoom in: Lutnick, who joined Cantor Fitzgerald after graduating college in the 1980s, became one of the most prominent business voices in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

• Cantor Fitzgerald's offices were in the World Trade Center's North Tower, and hundreds of the firm's employees, including Lutnick's brother, died in the attack.
• Lutnick holds an annual fundraiser on 9/11 — often attended by athletes and celebrities — to raise money for charities around the world.