Tilman Fertitta Gains Bipartisan Support in Senate Hearing for Ambassador Role

The billionaire businessman and Houston Rockets owner moves closer to confirmation as U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino after a favorable Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing.

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.