The U.S. Senate confirmed Howard Lutnick to be Secretary of the Commerce Department on February 18, 2025, by a 51 to 45 vote. In his new role, he will have authority over the Census Bureau.
Lutnick was the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, an American-based financial services firm. He takes over the Department at an important moment in the decennial census cycle, as the Census Bureau prepares for field tests next year, but continues to operate under a continuing funding resolution and without a director, with Rob Santos having resigned and left the Bureau on February 14.
Lutnick’s views on the census
During his confirmation hearing at the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on January 29, Lutnick discussed the census with Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), concluding that, “we will count each whole person.”
Among the questions submitted to Lutnick for written follow-up were a pair suggested by the Census Project and asked by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) for the record.
Peters first asked about census funding: “Mr. Lutnick, the Department of Commerce houses the Census Bureau, a critical agency. The Bureau conducts the census, the only comprehensive source of data about our nation. It also leads essential surveys – like the Economic Census and the American Community Survey – which provide the data for our nation’s economic indicators, and help businesses determine how to invest and create jobs. Census data affect our roads, hospitals, schools, fire departments, veterans’ services, small businesses, and more. To carry out this mission, especially in rural communities and others that are hard to count, the Bureau needs sufficient funding. If confirmed, will you work with me to ensure that Census Bureau funding is a priority for the Commerce Department? “
Lutnick responded: “Upon confirmation, I commit to working with you and your staff on issues pertaining to the Census Bureau.”
Peters asked another question focused on the upcoming census field tests in Fiscal Year 2026: “Mr. Lutnick, Next fiscal year, the Census Bureau is planning to conduct the 2026 Census Test, the first major on-the-ground tests to prepare for the 2030 Census. These tests, conducted in six sites nationwide, will evaluate innovative technologies and methodologies to help ensure the next decennial count is accurate and cost efficient, including for rural areas, tribal areas, high-growth areas, and others. To ensure the success of this critical planning phase, the Bureau needs the ability to hire staff, as well as reliable funding. What are your plans for ensuring continuity of operations for the 2026 Census Test?“
Lutnick responded: “Upon confirmation, I plan to work closely with Census Bureau leadership and staff to ensure the effectiveness of its operations.”
