Commerce Secretary Should Work To Grow U.S. Economy

Retailers Urge Lutnick to Focus on Trump's Goals

By [ Blake Harden , Courtney Titus Brooks ]
Washington, DC
01/29/2025

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) issued the following statement ahead of Howard Lutnick’s appearance before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

“As Congress considers Mr. Lutnick’s nomination for Commerce Secretary, leading retailers look forward to hearing more about his plans to implement President Trump’s goals to grow the U.S. economy and end inflation.

“The first Trump administration’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made America competitive again and created a dynamic economy that incentivized retailers to invest. While continuing to bolster our economy through competitive tax rates, we are also eager to see Mr. Lutnick champion trade policies within the administration that protect our national interests and improve the affordability of household goods for American families. Through strategic, targeted actions, U.S. trade policy can advance American competitiveness, protect national security interests, and protect family budgets.

“The retail industry stands ready to work together with Congress and the Trump administration to advance economic policies that propel retailers to grow, continue creating new jobs, providing employees with new skills and opportunities and restoring vibrancy to local communities.”

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RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $2.7 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and hundreds of thousands of stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.