U.S. Senate Committee Hearing Set For Raimondo Nomination

Gina Raimondo is on the road to officially becoming the U.S. Commerce Secretary. The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce set a date for an initial hearing in just a few days.

The committee is set to take up Raimondo's nomination at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The Rhode Island governor is scheduled to attend the hearing.

The nomination approval process follows a similar structure as proposed legislation. If the Commerce Committee votes in Raimondo's favor, her nomination will require a vote by the full Senate.

In her formal introduction as the nominee, Raimondo said she was so grateful to "for this opportunity to serve the American people."

Then-President-elect Joe Biden praised Raimondo's experiences, both in her personal life and career, saying she was an excellent fit to help lead the country as it struggles through the coronavirus pandemic.

"She's put Rhode Island on the path to achieving 100 percent clean energy," Biden said at the time, saying Raimondo will now use that knowledge to help bolster clean energy initiatives nationwide, as well as praised her firsthand knowledge of handling the coronavirus pandemic. "She knows what other governors are facing on the front lines ... I'm honored to have her in my cabinet."

Related: Raimondo: Being RI Governor Was 'Greatest Honor Of My Life'