C-SPAN - Secretary of Commerce Nominee Howard Lutnick Opening Statement
The nominee for Secretary of Commerce, introduced by the Vice President, shares a deeply personal narrative of overcoming adversity, including the loss of both parents to cancer and the tragic events of 9/11, which claimed the lives of many colleagues. He recounts how he and his employees chose to rebuild their company after the tragedy, raising $180 million for the families affected by 9/11. This experience, he states, is his greatest business achievement. He emphasizes the importance of healthy businesses in driving the economy and expresses his commitment to making the government more responsive to ensure Americans have opportunities for success. He pledges to lead the Department of Commerce with a focus on outcomes and rigorous approaches.
Key Points:
- Nominee shares personal resilience stories, including losing both parents and rebuilding after 9/11.
- Employees donated 25% of salaries to 9/11 families, raising $180 million over five years.
- Company grew from 1,000 to over 14,000 employees post-9/11.
- Emphasizes the role of businesses in driving the economy and supporting American workers.
- Commits to making government more responsive and ensuring opportunities for success.
Details:
1. 🌟 Introduction and Gratitude
- The speaker expresses gratitude to Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member, and committee members, indicating a formal and respectful tone.
- Thanks are given to JD and the Vice President for the introduction, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and appreciation in professional settings.
- The speaker acknowledges President Trump’s confidence and faith, which highlights the importance of trust and support in leadership roles.
2. 👨👩👦 Family Introductions
- The nominee for Secretary of Commerce is supported by his family, indicating a robust personal support network that could influence his decision-making.
- His wife, Allison, serves as a partner and advisor, suggesting her significant role in his personal and professional life.
- The presence of his children and siblings underscores the nominee's values of family importance and stability, possibly reflecting on his leadership style.
3. 🖼️ Childhood and Parental Loss
- The speaker grew up in Long Island, New York, with a mother who was an artist and art teacher, and a father who was a professor of American History.
- At age 14, the speaker's mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer, yet chose to live fully until her death in February 1978 when the speaker was 16.
- The speaker recalls a memorable day when their mother, despite her illness, took them out of school to visit art galleries and attend the opera in New York City, demonstrating the importance of embracing life.
- A year and a half after the mother's death, the speaker's father was diagnosed with lung cancer but chose to keep it a secret from the speaker.
4. 💔 Coping with Tragedy
- A nurse's error during chemotherapy treatment led to the immediate death of the speaker's parent, profoundly impacting their life as a college freshman.
- Losing both parents created a life-shattering experience, forcing the speaker and their siblings to rely on each other for support.
- The speaker's brother was placed in a boarding school near the speaker's college, and they spent weekends together, emphasizing the importance of familial support during crises.
- The siblings' bond strengthened as they navigated life changes, with the brother later moving to live with another sibling pursuing a law and business degree.
- The speaker and their siblings faced compounded tragedy with the loss of friends and colleagues in the 9/11 attacks, highlighting the devastating impact of such events on personal and professional lives.
- The speaker's company was located on the top five floors of the World Trade Center, underscoring the profound personal loss and the broader tragedy of 9/11.