Vice President Kamala Harris swore in Gina Raimondo, former governor of Rhode Island, as the 40th secretary of the Department of Commerce. Raimondo received the Senate's confirmation to become the commerce secretary with a vote of 84-15, the department said Wednesday.
In her new capacity, she will oversee several Commerce agencies that work towards economic growth, including the U.S. Patent and Trade Office, National Telecommunications and Information Administration and National Institute of Standards and Technology.
"The Commerce Department will work relentlessly to create good-paying jobs, level the playing field for our workers and businesses, and build an economy that does not leave any communities behind," said Raimondo.
Her experience in public service also includes a time as general treasurer for the government of Rhode Island. Raimondo also led the Democratic Governors’ Association as its chair in 2019.