Cruz blocks Senate vote on Raimondo for Commerce Secretary over concerns about Huawei House and Senate Republicans raised concerns about the Rhode Island governorâs comments on the Chinese telecom giant during her confirmation hearing. By Lylah Alphonse Globe Staff,Updated February 4, 2021, 9:20 p.m. Email to a Friend Senator Ted Cruz questioned the nominee for Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, during her Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee confirmation hearing on Tuesday.Tom Williams/Associated Press Senator Ted Cruz formally placed a hold Thursday on the Senate voting on the nomination of Gina Raimondo for Commerce secretary, saying the Rhode Island governor has not adequately clarified her position on Huawei, the Chinese telecom company.