Commerce Secretary nominee Governor Gina Raimondo testifies in Senate confirmation hearing

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, nominated by President Biden to be commerce secretary, appeared before the Senate Commerce Committee Tuesday to lay out her priorities if confirmed to lead the department.

She discussed the Commerce Department's role in tackling the economic crisis, reinvesting in American workers, how she would focus on trade policy and manufacturing, as well as how tackling the threat of climate change can be coupled with the creation of good-paying jobs. .

"Like President Biden, I know the climate crisis poses an existential threat to our economic security, and we must meet this challenge by creating millions of good, union jobs that power a more sustainable economy," Raimondo said in her prepared remarks.

"The Commerce Department has the tools, data, and expertise to help communities and businesses address the climate crisis and become more resilient in the face of climate change.".

If confirmed, Raimondo would lead the agency that houses the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a division of the Commerce Department tasked with monitoring the climate and weather.

Raimondo is also calling for a Biden trade policy centered around American workers and bringing back jobs to the U.S.

While Raimondo is focused on American manufacturing and climate change, she will say the country must first "immediately address the economic damage" caused by the coronavirus pandemic.