United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) introduced Steven Haines, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis, at a Senate Commerce Committee nomination hearing. Haines is from Franklin, Tennessee, and previously worked as a civil servant in the State Department. He also served as National Security Fellow in Hagerty’s office from January 2023 to January 2025.
During his introduction, Hagerty addressed the committee and staff present: “Thank you, Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell for holding this important hearing today. It’s my great honor to introduce my former staffer, friend, and fellow Tennessean, Steven Haines, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis.”
Hagerty highlighted the contributions of congressional staff members: “First, I want to address the staff in the room. I hope everyone sitting along the walls this morning takes special note. Our staffs do such a wonderful job of supporting our work, and today I have the privilege of introducing one of my former staff members, and I hope you all will look to Steven for inspiration and as a reminder of the critically important work you do every day.”
He described Haines’ role in his office: “Steven was one of my national security advisors for two years. His counsel was critical, covering nearly every issue that came to my office. From supporting my role as Ranking Member of the Banking National Security subcommittee covering export controls and CFIUS work, to State Department Reauthorization and consular issues on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to the important work of funding the government through the Appropriations process, there wasn’t much that Steven did not add significant value to in my office.”
Before joining Hagerty’s team in the Senate, Haines held positions as a Presidential Management Fellow and later as a Foreign Affairs Officer at the Department of State’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. He graduated from University of Nevada and earned a master’s degree in Asian Studies from George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs.
Hagerty emphasized Haines’ expertise: “Steven’s understanding of how federal agencies operate and his deep knowledge of foreign policy and national security issues were evident from the first day he joined my team. This expertise served the constituents of Tennessee remarkably well. His love for this country and serving the American people is palpable.”
He concluded by endorsing Haines’ character: “He is a man of conviction, loyalty, and integrity, and precisely the caliber of person we need serving in government.
I thank you for considering Steven’s nomination, and I encourage my colleagues to support his nomination as he advances his call to public service.”
