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Statement by Secretary Gutierrez on New Offer of Humanitarian Aid to Cuba

Washington (Oct. 31)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement on a fifth offer of humanitarian aid to Cuba after hurricanes Gustav and Ike devastated the island in August: “This marks the fifth time we have offered help to the Cuban people after the devastation caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The American people and government are committed to helping the Cuban people in their hour of need. We will continue our efforts to help the Cuban people through public and private means.” (More)


COSPAS-SARSAT System Overview. Click here for larger image.

NOAA’s SARSAT Makes 6,000th Rescue in the United States

Washington (Oct. 31)—Two people rescued from the site of their downed airplane near Concrete, Wash., pushed to 6,000 the number of people rescued in the United States by the system that uses the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) weather and climate satellites to pinpoint downed pilots, shipwrecked mariners, and stranded hikers. Since 1982, the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system called, COSPAS-SARSAT has been credited with supporting more than 25,000 rescues worldwide. (More)


Department of Commerce seal.

Statement by Secretary Gutierrez on Third Quarter GDP

Washington (Oct. 30)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement on the advance third quarter real gross domestic product (GDP), which showed that the U.S. economy decreased at an annual rate of 0.3 percent in the third quarter of 2008: “While not unexpected, the third quarter GDP report is clearly disappointing. The administration, along with Congress, has taken bold, necessary steps to help stabilize our economy. While it will take time for the full impact to be felt, Americans are the most resilient and productive people in the world, and we will bounce back.” (More)