Top News
In Ohio, Gutierrez Highlights Economy, Touts Export Success and Calls for Congress to Make Tax Cuts Permanent
Cincinnati, Ohio (May 29)—At the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez addressed the economy, record exports and the need to make permanent the Bush tax cuts of 2003. He also discussed the new first quarter gross domestic product estimate, which showed our economy grew at 0.9 percent, rather than the previous estimate of 0.6. “Because of the tax cuts, Americans have already saved $1.3 trillion in taxes through the end of last year. Congress needs to make these tax cuts permanent … and we need to open more markets for U.S. exporters.” (Remarks) (Statement)
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Assistant Secretary Bohigian to Lead Clean Energy Trade Mission to China and India
Washington (May 29)—The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration will sponsor a Clean Energy and Environment Trade Mission to China and India from Sept. 1-12, 2008. This mission, led by Assistant Secretary David Bohigian, aims to match participating U.S. companies with opportunities in these fast-growing markets, where American clean energy and environmental goods and services can help address energy security and climate change, improving the environment. (More)
Copyright: Robert Rathe
New Superconductors Studied at NIST Can Provide Energy Benefits
Gaithersburg, Md. (May 28)—Research at the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has revealed that new iron-based superconductors—materials that conduct electricity without resistance—share similar magnetic properties with previously known superconducting copper-oxide materials. These superconductors may one day enable energy and environmental gains because they could significantly heighten the efficiency of transferring electricity over the electric grid. (More)
New Deputy Secretary John J. Sullivan Sworn in by Justice Souter
Washington (May 27)—John J. Sullivan was sworn in as Deputy Secretary today by Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter. Mr. Sullivan was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 14th after serving as acting Deputy Secretary since September 1, 2007. Previously he served the Department for nearly three years as General Counsel. As Deputy Secretary, Mr. Sullivan is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Department. He is shown here with his wife, Grace Rodriguez, looking on. (Biography)
NOAA Observes Hurricane Awareness Week
Washington (May 27)—To reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced Hurricane Preparedness Week May 25—31, 2008. History has taught that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. (More)
Gutierrez Criticizes Icelandic Whale Hunting
Washington (May 23)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez issued a statement on Iceland’s announcement that they were resuming a commercial whale hunt for minke whales outside the review and control of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). There is currently a global commercial whaling ban. “I urge Iceland to reconsider this decision … At a time when we should be doing more to help protect whales, Iceland is going in the wrong direction,” Gutierrez said. (Release)
NIST to Host Nanosoccer Competition in Pittsburgh
Gaithersburg, Md. (May 23)—The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will host the 2008 U.S. “RoboCup Open” in Pittsburgh, Pa. May 25—27. The public exhibition will feature miniature “soccer players”—computer-driven robots six times smaller than an amoeba operating on a field the size of a grain of rice—showing off their skills. RoboCup is an annual international competition designed to foster innovations and advances in artificial intelligence and intelligent robotics by using the game of soccer as a testing ground. (More)
Gutierrez Hosts 2008 National Summit on American Competitiveness
Chicago (May 22)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez hosted the 2008 National Summit on American Competitiveness, the second meeting of premier business, government, and academia leaders to address the pressing issues facing American businesses in the highly-competitive 21st Century worldwide economy. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley joined with former Helene Curtis CEO Ronald J. Gidwitz to co-chair the Summit, which was attended by over 500 people from across the nation. (More) (Remarks)
NOAA Predicts Near Normal or Above Normal Atlantic Hurricane Season
Washington (May 22)—The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center announced that projected climate conditions point to a near normal or above normal hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin this year. The prediction was issued at a news conference called to urge residents in vulnerable areas to be fully prepared for the onset of hurricane season, which begins June 1, 2008. (More)
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Secretary Gutierrez Statement on Cuba Independence Day
Washington (May 20)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement on the anniversary of Cuba’s Independence from Spain. “Today, on the 106th anniversary of Cuba’s independence, we are reminded of the ideals of those brave Cubans who fought for freedom more than a century ago. Sadly, Cuba today bears little resemblance to those patriots’ dreams. Cuba currently holds more than 240 internationally-recognized political prisoners, while another more than 5,000 Cubans have been imprisoned by the regime for the vague offense of ‘dangerousness.’” (More) (Presidential Proclamation)