[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6253855,"mediaKeyId","3177778-d11856a0fa81d2ad07282fd350b533a8","parentId",3177778,"title","Senators press nominee on Commerce program funding, MEP renewals, tech hubs and contracting backlog","audioSeconds",2405,"startMs",4468000,"endMs",6873000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3177778-d11856a0fa81d2ad07282fd350b533a8&start=4468&end=6873","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3177778-d11856a0fa81d2ad07282fd350b533a8/thumbnail_4468000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6253855/Senators-press-nominee-on-Commerce-program-funding-MEP-renewals-tech-hubs-and-contracting-backlog","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253855-97932b077eda3dfba31ba7122db817d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770619865&Signature=cYzSp7fii-ECxvMuwKpSfKF7XFp4Uc78mKFxs6esK~Bm0xWzQP7gZosBnQGvB7VWnvxFcZUBQUmP~tcCSyBNjqtN3-Bh-I3fo13viiHc-J4mlUJL9FYhM7LA5q4ParYgAV6mS1sKplZU8HNKMoEzPk8uVv9SnPC2AQdpWX8ve2KyGkMxu6mLPGWz5aHQYUcCVBIc0krBak3rqgCXlguh~qXldeAyJz7rNHiEOBU2eL2EplueQztTLUmBiCi3lyNREnOssJfkBO95gvSkBdbNFUSw9yVMuFoap4K7XhRJtBPqYc8CYd9OPSNw-pwjgRmnH2lBXhp0npRUhZdnwWQ-pA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation","date","2025-05-01T00:00:00Z","article","Several senators used the confirmation hearing to press Paul DeBarr on program funding across the Department of Commerce, including concerns about the Economic Development Administration (EDA), nonrenewal notices for Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers, technology hub commitments under the CHIPS and Science Act, and a reported contracting backlog in Commerce that threatens operations at NOAA and other bureaus.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin and others told the nominee that bipartisan efforts in recent Congresses codified and funded tech hubs and MBDA functions and warned that the administration’s budget proposals could eliminate EDA and undermine tech hub funding. Baldwin asked DeBarr to commit to provide the committee with a report on MBDA status and to keep promises made to tech hubs. DeBarr responded he would ‘‘follow whatever the law is and whatever is appropriated by Congress.’’

Sen. Jerry Moran, Sen. Gary Peters and others raised MEP concerns after the department notified 10 state MEP centers that funding would not automatically be renewed; senators said the centers help small and medium manufacturers and cited state examples where MEP saved jobs and helped firms adopt advanced processes. DeBarr said he had ‘‘awareness’’ of MEP and described his experience supporting manufacturing R&D when he ran national labs; he said he would ‘‘look into that program’’ and execute appropriations and authorizations.

Separately, committee members flagged a reported contracting backlog at Commerce that is delaying critical NOAA work: senators said NOAA had 5,700 contracts at risk of expiring this year and that a data center at Texas A&M was shut down for several days because of contracting delays. When asked whether he would address the contracting issue, DeBarr answered ‘‘Yes, chairman’’ and said he would work to improve contract processing.

Why it matters: EDA, tech hubs and MEPs are federal programs that support regional economic development and manufacturing. A contracting backlog that delays service agreements and operations can hinder disaster response, scientific instruments and routine maintenance for federal assets.

DeBarr said he would execute appropriations and authorizations and would review specific program questions and contracting procedures if confirmed. Senators said they would follow up in writing and oversight.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Nomination Hearing - Deputy Secretary of Commerce: May 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senators pressed the Commerce nominee on whether the department will keep funding commitments to tech hubs, renew Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers and fix a contracting backlog that is putting NOAA operations at risk.","taxTitle","Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation, Legislative, Federal","taxId",1990,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6253860,"Senator Rosen presses nominee on frozen BEAD award for Nevada; DeBarr declines immediate commitment",146,6354000,6500000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3177778-d11856a0fa81d2ad07282fd350b533a8&start=6354&end=6500","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3177778-d11856a0fa81d2ad07282fd350b533a8/thumbnail_6354000.jpg","/articles/6253860/Senator-Rosen-presses-nominee-on-frozen-BEAD-award-for-Nevada-DeBarr-declines-immediate-commitment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253860-d66b3144d95ee2ae8a03c5cd7bb80b51/orig.mp4?Expires=1770619865&Signature=n~E416dxNz~5u2PjtOh8EMQhKTy0E4Gp3CVu79RfetrvtVQOnUu-b8ltSOqEx7fKUTxicmml-IiKvrXcPn0l1l7bBIUGIdLpi3DDhg0lm1mF8H8u81SMYYiw5vXl~ks1aE9hd3cRrp587AJJGP3QfiLxP-sHjDZ0jH-ZrWWCIoCy9lLxDb3adOiANC19Hf4vBiekVnsTPZqbJM7D35WcozR1tlDkTo7MNnAKHGB9WLGO48jNrsjUtF4XpR0fBrpaJEsjn3uA8IFeMabkon8cNpjsLmmvDMob4XjEolUlOYOA76oNsXGfFV2njdRPVs7J1fkJqczQjC90LbrVbqUeVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sen. Jacky Rosen (D‑Nev.) asked Paul DeBarr to commit during his confirmation hearing to releasing federal BEAD broadband funds she said had been approved for Nevada.

Rosen said Nevada’s BEAD proposal ‘‘was approved over three months ago’’ and that the Department of Commerce had not released the $417,000,000 allocated to connect unserved Nevadans. She told the committee the proposal is ‘‘tech neutral, cost effective’’ and meets program goals to reach 100 percent of unserved locations in the state.

DeBarr did not provide the requested yes‑or‑no commitment. He replied that he ‘‘will commit to certainly look at improving what’s been going on’’ and said he was not familiar with the specific Nevada award details at that moment. Rosen interjected that the award ‘‘has been fully approved’’ and pressed whether DeBarr would unfreeze money that has already been approved; DeBarr reiterated he needed to review the program specifics if confirmed.

Why it matters: BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) funds are intended to subsidize broadband deployment to unserved locations. Delays or freezes in disbursement can postpone network construction and delay service to rural and frontier communities.

DeBarr said broadly that he is ‘‘very passionate’’ about broadband deployment and would look into the process if confirmed; Rosen said she would treat the issue as urgent and expects prompt action.","Sen. Jacky Rosen asked Paul DeBarr to commit to releasing $417 million in BEAD funds for Nevada that she said had been fully approved; DeBarr declined to commit immediately and said he needed to review details.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6253865,"Alaska senators demand NOAA surveys, ask nominee to sign Oscar Dyson contract to avoid missed fish assessments",1671,1705000,3376000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3177778-d11856a0fa81d2ad07282fd350b533a8&start=1705&end=3376","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3177778-d11856a0fa81d2ad07282fd350b533a8/thumbnail_1705000.jpg","/articles/6253865/Alaska-senators-demand-NOAA-surveys-ask-nominee-to-sign-Oscar-Dyson-contract-to-avoid-missed-fish-assessments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253865-d4ab92879e639309ec6cccf312d082f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770619865&Signature=hFBJT~z6OVAe~GDa-iPP4mCNOx7bWw~yp1QYICVKXgMsBnrBzljgn7jgJHS3WQS2ItlLsJvmpRCda~E3safwQYZqGBpOt1YGiMF2KCsK-jNQpKHMGWU6-qOCG-R0y-FMav~LlerRNoN1VJncwuTj0oEJpuKoLDciyO4H9PJHa7O5MuqNlGOt9R~lZ~af74LHGe-YrhGRopHYxSs~MZ~ZRD37yiWa-IpB37tpMur3IOGHyzCluz~AtaMUIm3Me-amtncufDs1SejXBwldDdwgHTtyCMY0-3~svSMouytewAH8N9xobJfeGzkhcS-orfvPorqA44BcSoOYF6Dq4CGgFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senators pressed Paul DeBarr during his confirmation hearing to ensure NOAA has the staffing and contracts needed to complete fisheries stock assessments and other core functions.

Sen. Maria Cantwell warned about staff reductions at NOAA and said those cuts were ‘‘already impacting NOAA's core functions including reduced and suspended weather balloon launches at many of our weather forecast offices,’’ noting consequences for wildfire season. She asked the nominee to be ‘‘held accountable for the cuts in science.’’

Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska delivered an extended set of questions focused on fisheries, telling the committee that Alaska supplies about two‑thirds of U.S. seafood and calling for immediate action on overdue surveys. Sullivan said many NOAA survey contracts are at risk of expiring and singled out the NOAA survey vessel Oscar Dyson, which he said needs a contract signed immediately, warning: ‘‘If that's not signed in the next couple days, that vessel won't be able to do survey.’’ He repeatedly asked DeBarr for a commitment to secure staffing and contracts to allow surveys to proceed.

DeBarr said he would follow up and that he ‘‘certainly commit(s) on that also’’ and that people at the department would be watching. He described experience working on atmospheric and fish research connectivity during his DOE tenure but said he had read only press coverage of some proposed NOAA reorganizations and would review any formal proposals if confirmed.

Why it matters: NOAA surveys underpin stock assessments that determine whether and when fisheries open; missed or delayed surveys can limit fishing opportunities for commercial, recreational and subsistence users and have economic consequences for coastal and fishing communities.

Senators pressed for immediate action to sign expiring contracts and increase staffing for survey programs; DeBarr committed to follow up if confirmed.","Senators from Alaska and others warned that NOAA staffing and contracting issues are preventing critical fisheries surveys. They urged nominee Paul DeBarr to ensure staffing and contract approvals so vessels such as the Oscar Dyson can conduct stock assessments needed for fisheries management and opening seasons.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6253869,"Senators press nominee to review dismantling of Minority Business Development Agency and terminated grants",2569,1560000,4129000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3177778-d11856a0fa81d2ad07282fd350b533a8&start=1560&end=4129","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3177778-d11856a0fa81d2ad07282fd350b533a8/thumbnail_1560000.jpg","/articles/6253869/Senators-press-nominee-to-review-dismantling-of-Minority-Business-Development-Agency-and-terminated-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253869-960a3d5ff1d141b8dd79a2120114c3fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770619865&Signature=ggFv1cG7Dhlgtq~ReC2883A4iatqaViRLYcJTY-3mdzAuOoE1plDf0SapJWqOgo23U7ydh01yBP7XgV~NvztFgKOjkxRt7bxV0i-x9UxZKl0oXZ5pDcqyhFOMWZOrVF~t6gGcTpeXhCGc2FuvKg9wolMyc~eE5x1P1jSn8YlrXl3JkQh4rN~on2YaHGRcebuaew713nw1qiYOV1RJzWfcHvnVbAPdo0V5yA-F-EbxbJ2z8Go57P-mXRspEfLXaUWLL-Z-t8dru-lkRpId7lucwZh~qRRjA23IC1F~g~UhnEPZiLFuIMZm-sUDCK4HM~vRADJppVjBEeJGDYjq5I7vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several senators raised the dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency and the cancellation of MBDA grants during Paul DeBarr’s confirmation hearing, pressing the nominee to review grant termination notices and account for appropriated funds.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, the committee’s ranking member, said the MBDA ‘‘a 56‑year‑old agency that Congress permanently authorized in 2021 has been dismantled’’ and noted the agency ‘‘helped create and retain approximately 23,000 jobs in fiscal year 2024’’ under earlier management. Cantwell asked whether the nominee would be held accountable for restoring capacity and protecting the agency’s functions.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin and others asked DeBarr to examine grant termination notices that committee staff have tied to an individual named Nate Kavanaugh and to confirm whether those notices had proper approvals. Baldwin said the notices ‘‘may have potentially been sent without Mr. Sonderling’s approval,’’ and called that possibility ‘‘very serious.’’ DeBarr answered, ‘‘I will certainly look into it, senator,’’ and said he would respond to committee requests if confirmed.

Why it matters: MBDA was codified by Congress and funded in recent appropriations to provide technical assistance and access to capital for minority‑owned businesses. Senators said the agency’s operations directly affect small business support programs in multiple states.

DeBarr repeatedly said he lacked full visibility into current operations because he is not yet confirmed but pledged to ‘‘follow every dollar and report back’’ and to respond to written oversight requests. Senators signaled they will seek written follow‑up and expect a formal accounting of MBDA funds and decisions if DeBarr is confirmed.","Ranking Member Maria Cantwell and other senators pressed Paul DeBarr to investigate recent changes at the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), including staff reductions and canceled grants; DeBarr said he would look into grant termination notices and respond to the committee if confirmed.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6253875,"Senate Commerce committee questions Paul DeBarr on trade, spectrum and tech as he seeks deputy secretary slot",5862,1270000,7132000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3177778-d11856a0fa81d2ad07282fd350b533a8&start=1270&end=7132","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3177778-d11856a0fa81d2ad07282fd350b533a8/thumbnail_1270000.jpg","/articles/6253875/Senate-Commerce-committee-questions-Paul-DeBarr-on-trade-spectrum-and-tech-as-he-seeks-deputy-secretary-slot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253875-1519b1420ffbd4e27f3577d5860875e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770619865&Signature=FlkDgL8ZXcGJfbKnAWYyFagQV7i5GW2tsfFH7EVgzgpt5Kv8vQ3ccZb8tkgxjJUj8pfw48LOFbkqlA1MPWwxXvGI4VR2FSu-D8OoINmmfndDfIdEYE2Ew2Z1KULpun4rkdo66ELUETTq1PaVjPUiU87RpsQoVRyAd~KbOCurYZYysGe~DUAVaCAM79uyy-BmxYzG37l72iFnJGXOOs24zLG45zOmGsqMBm54fIGj4xYaSbngbfi7oraUyaStWMVdfUo2cH-ofjR6kXSdIdw0Iis3N3TGfCM8G4SXAfg6xQdInO~IbZGFGLKj6X-30oMG5RQLkBYhAEDVjGC~3ZUSoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Paul DeBarr, nominated by President Trump to be deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, defended his record and outlined priorities in a confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

The committee’s chairman, Sen. Ted Cruz, said the deputy secretary ‘‘will oversee daily operations’’ at Commerce and cited issues DeBarr might face, from BEAD broadband deployment to NOAA science; DeBarr emphasized his management experience in government and the private sector and asked for senators’ support. ‘‘If my nomination is confirmed by this body, it will be the fourth time I will have sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States,’’ DeBarr said in his opening remarks.

Why it matters: the deputy secretary is the department’s second‑in‑command and helps shape implementation of trade policy, spectrum allocations through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), technology programs such as CHIPS and research priorities at NIST and NOAA.

DeBarr highlighted his background at the U.S. Naval Academy, service in the submarine force, an MBA from Columbia, nearly two decades at JPMorgan overseeing energy investments and his prior service as Under Secretary for Science at the Department of Energy. He told senators he led the National Quantum Initiative while at DOE and has cofounded a quantum communications company, Bohr Quantum Technology.

Senators across the committee pressed DeBarr on administration trade strategy and tariffs, asking whether he would advocate using tariffs as leverage to secure lower foreign barriers rather than locking in high tariffs. DeBarr said the administration has several trade objectives, including lowering barriers and reindustrialization, and described tariffs as one of several tools. ‘‘The president has been very clear on support of the president’s positions on the different drivers of trade,’’ he said.

DeBarr also expressed support for making additional spectrum available for commercial use while protecting Defense Department systems. Asked about the CHIPS and Science Act, he said he had testified in support of that legislation and would seek to implement its subsidies to obtain the most benefit for taxpayers. On AI and NIST’s role, DeBarr said he favors NIST focusing on its traditional standards role and accelerating technology deployment where appropriate. He told senators he would ‘‘support S and T, and investment’’ and work with the committee on quantum reauthorization and related programs.

Committee administration notes: senators may submit questions for the record and DeBarr pledged to respond. The hearing record lists deadlines for written questions and responses.","Paul DeBarr, nominated to be deputy secretary of commerce, told the Senate Commerce Committee his private‑sector and Department of Energy background would guide oversight of trade, spectrum and technology bureaus; senators pressed him on tariffs, CHIPS funding, spectrum policy, AI and quantum research.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senators press nominee on Commerce program funding, MEP renewals, tech hubs and contracting backlog

Senator Rosen presses nominee on frozen BEAD award for Nevada; DeBarr declines immediate commitment

Alaska senators demand NOAA surveys, ask nominee to sign Oscar Dyson contract to avoid missed fish assessments

Senators press nominee to review dismantling of Minority Business Development Agency and terminated grants

Senate Commerce committee questions Paul DeBarr on trade, spectrum and tech as he seeks deputy secretary slot