Senator Grills Commerce Secretary on Wasteful Contracts

US Senator Questions Commerce Secretary on Wasteful Contracts A US Senate hearing on June 4, 2025, saw Senator Jack Reed questioning Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick regarding the Department of Commerce's handling of government contracts. The hearing focused on allegations of wasteful spending and a lack of transparency. Senator Reed raised concerns about the efficiency of the current review process, stating, “If you can’t find reliable support to do those reviews, I think you’re wasting your time, frankly.” Lutnick responded by defending the department's practices, explaining that all contracts exceeding \$100,000 undergo personal review by himself and his team. He emphasized his commitment to accountability and efficient use of taxpayer funds. He further stated, “I do it with my team. I do it with the people who run the bureaus, and I teach them how to analyze contracts.” The hearing highlighted the ongoing debate about government spending and the need for greater oversight. The exchange between Senator Reed and Secretary Lutnick underscored the complexities of balancing efficient spending with thorough contract reviews.