Overview

• Tilman Fertitta appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on April 1, 2025, where he received bipartisan praise for his business acumen and personal character.
• Fertitta emphasized his commitment to the role, calling it the most important job of his life, and highlighted his plans to enhance U.S.-Italy economic relations.
• If confirmed, Fertitta has pledged to resign as CEO of Landry's and as chair of the University of Houston System Board of Regents to avoid conflicts of interest.
• Senators, including John Cornyn and Mark Kelly, commended Fertitta's entrepreneurial success and personal integrity, with Kelly sharing a personal story of Fertitta's support during a family crisis.
• The committee has yet to vote on advancing Fertitta's nomination to the full Senate, where a simple majority will be needed for confirmation.