WASHINGTON, DC - Tonight, the U.S. Senate voted 84-15 to invoke cloture and advance the nomination of Governor Gina M. Raimondo to be the next U.S. Secretary of Commerce and a member of President Joe Biden’s cabinet.  This tees up a final vote on her confirmation that will be scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, March 2 at 2:15 p.m.

“This was a strong, bipartisan vote of confidence in Governor Raimondo to lead the Department of Commerce.  It sets up her final confirmation vote tomorrow, paving the way for her to be sworn in as the next Secretary of Commerce,” said Senator Reed.  “I am grateful for Governor Raimondo’s steadfast, principled leadership for the people of Rhode Island.  She is a dedicated public servant and I know she will continue to make us proud in this new role.  As Secretary of Commerce, she will play a key role in helping working families, businesses, and communities prosper.”

Tonight’s vote ends unlimited debate and, under a schedule laid out by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Raimondo’s confirmation vote will be at 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2.