Washington, April 24
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Friday that "trillions of dollars of capital investment are pouring into America", as he appeared before Congress and faced criticism over tariffs, job losses and proposed programme cuts.
Testifying before the House Appropriations Subcommittee, Lutnick added that the US remains "the strongest and most resilient in the world".
He pointed to a surge in manufacturing and energy investments as evidence of a broader industrial revival.
"Company after company and industry after industry have made (record-setting commitments) to build in America," he said, citing major semiconductor and energy projects across multiple states.
Lutnick said exports reached $3.4 trillion in 2025, a six per cent increase, while the trade deficit was the lowest in 16 years.
He credited the administration's "America First trade policy" for boosting domestic production and attracting foreign investment.
On national security, Lutnick described the Bureau of Industry and Security as "the frontline and our key defence from China trying to get our best chips and our best technology", adding that enforcement expansion would help block illicit transfers.
The Commerce Secretary also defended eliminating or restructuring certain programmes, saying inefficiencies warranted action.
Referring to the Minority Business Development Agency, Lutnick said "over 92 per cent of the awards should never have been made", calling it "a mess".
He acknowledged near-term job losses but added that the current investment cycle would create employment over time.
"The manufacturing is going to start in two or three years when these factories come online," he noted.
Lawmakers from both parties raised concerns about the impact of tariffs, job losses and programme cuts, often directly challenging the administration's narrative.
Subcommittee Chairman Harold Rogers said the budget proposal totals "$9.2 billion, a $1.8 billion or 16.5 per cent decrease from the current level", while aiming to "counter the strong arm trade tactics of China".
Ranking member Grace Meng warned the plan "would hurt American jobs, small businesses and economically distressed communities", criticising proposed eliminations of development programmes and export support.
Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member of the Full Committee, delivered one of the sharpest critiques.
She said it was "difficult to view the Trump administration's trade policy as anything short of disastrous".
She added that tariffs had increased costs for families, citing estimates that they raised food expenses by $1,700 in 2025.
She also challenged the administration's job claims, saying manufacturing losses showed "it's not a trade policy that delivers for working people".
Representative Joseph Morelle pointed to uncertainty created by tariff shifts, telling Lutnick that "the chaos remains the only predictable thing in this administration", and warning that businesses lacked the predictability needed for investment decisions.
Representative Glenn Ivey raised concerns about tariff refunds, questioning whether consumers would benefit.
He asked whether the administration was doing anything to ensure refunds reach "small businesses... and especially everyday consumers".
Representative Frank Mrvan highlighted labour concerns, pressing the Commerce Secretary Lutnick on union jobs and energy policy, and urging intervention in an ongoing dispute affecting workers in his district.
- IANS
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