WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) participated in a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing this week focused on the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget Proposal for the Department of Commerce. The hearing featured Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and addressed national priorities such as economic development, job creation, and industrial competitiveness.
During the hearing, Senator Britt spotlighted Alabama’s advancements in biotechnology, particularly through the work of Southern Research and the Birmingham Biotech Hub. She described the Birmingham-based institution as a leader in ecology, precision medicine, population health, and infectious disease research, emphasizing its capacity to contribute to national innovation efforts.
“I want to highlight the good work that’s done by Southern Research and their Birmingham Biotech Hub,” Britt said, noting that the facility is “well-positioned to make sure that any groundbreaking advancements that are made can be done there.”
Senator Britt also secured a commitment from Secretary Lutnick to discuss the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tech Hubs program, which is aimed at promoting regional innovation and economic diversification.
Turning to Alabama’s automotive industry, Britt emphasized the state’s rapid rise as a national leader in vehicle manufacturing and export. “Auto manufacturing has truly transformed our economy,” she said, citing Alabama as the number one auto exporting state in the country.
Lutnick responded by affirming the administration’s focus on reshoring manufacturing jobs. “Auto is coming back to America, and the President is on it,” he said. “Your state is going to be a great beneficiary.”
The discussion also touched on the aerospace industry, with Britt highlighting Mobile’s role as the fourth-largest manufacturing site for commercial aviation globally. She asked how the Department plans to support production needs for companies like Airbus and Boeing amid rising demand.
Secretary Lutnick confirmed that meeting production needs is a priority and supported Britt’s framing of the issue.
In closing, Senator Britt raised concerns about recent tariff policies and their impact on domestic steel and aluminum production. Lutnick responded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to revitalizing these industries, stating that increased domestic production is essential to national security and economic resilience.
The hearing marked a continued effort by Senator Britt for what she calls her goal to advocate for Alabama’s role in national innovation, manufacturing, and workforce development strategies.
