April 29,2025

Crapo Statement at Executive Session to Consider Commerce, Treasury Nominations

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at an executive session to consider the nominations of William Kimmitt to serve as Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade and Kenneth Kies to serve as the Assistant Treasury Secretary for Tax Policy.

As prepared for delivery:

“We meet today to consider favorably reporting the nominations of William Kimmitt, who is nominated to serve as Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, and Kenneth Kies, who is nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department.

“The meeting this morning will provide members with the opportunity to make remarks on the nominees.  We will notify members of a time and location later today to conduct the vote. 

“During his hearing, Mr. Kimmitt spoke about his mission to ensure the International Trade Administration (ITA) is a champion for American workers and industries, and to promote a trade policy that is guided by a strategic understanding of our national interest.  I look forward to working with him, if confirmed, to accomplish these goals.

“Turning now to Mr. Kies, who has decades of experience in the tax policy world.  Mr. Kies spoke about the importance of permanently extending and building on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to prevent a more than $4 trillion tax hike and deliver certainty and stability to American families and businesses, as well as provide additional middle-class tax relief.

“Mr. Kies, if confirmed, will be a valuable partner in our efforts to deliver on President Trump’s economic agenda.

“I will be voting in favor of both nominations, and I encourage all my colleagues on the Committee to do the same.

“I now recognize Ranking Member Wyden for his remarks.”