Top News
Gutierrez Hails Dramatic U.S. Broadband Growth
Washington (Jan. 31)—The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today released the report, “Networked Nation: Broadband in America, 2007,” that highlights the dramatic growth of broadband in the United States. “Today’s report shows the nation’s broadband success story. The President’s policies have made a significant impact on the availability and affordability of broadband in the United States,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez. (More)
Gutierrez Discusses Bilateral Trade with Australian Trade Minister
Washington (Jan. 31)—Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today met with Simon Crean, Minister for Trade of Australia, to discuss the close trade relationship between the two nations, as well as ways the United States and Australia can work together toward a successful Doha round of WTO negotiations. Since entering into the U.S.-Australia FTA three years ago, overall bilateral trade has increased 27 percent, and the U.S. had a projected $10 billion surplus with Australia last year alone.
Free Trade Means Jobs for Americans, Says President Bush
Torrance, Calif. (Jan. 30)—President George W. Bush toured Robinson Helicopter to discuss the economy and urge Congress to quickly pass the economic stimulus package to get money in the hands of American consumers. He also highlighted the contribution of exports to our economic growth, and the need to pass pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. “Free trade means good paying jobs for Americans,” said President Bush… “Congress needs to pass these agreements for the sake of economic vitality.” (More)
Commerce Secretary Gutierrez Statement on Fourth Quarter GDP
Washington (Jan. 30)—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement on the fourth quarter GDP report, which showed that the American economy grew at 0.6 percent: “The U.S. economy is not growing as fast as we’d like—that’s why we need the President’s stimulus package as soon as possible because it will boost the economy by putting money into the hands of consumers. It is vital that Congress take quick action to bolster economic growth and job creation this year.” (More)
NOAA Commemorates Decade of Dolphin Conservation
Washington (Jan. 30)—Vice Admiral (ret.) Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Administrator of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) commended the governments of the United States., the European Union and 11 other countries that signed the Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program in 1998. Under this program, and its predecessor, dolphin deaths in the Eastern Pacific Ocean tuna purse-seine fishery have decreased more than 99 percent from historic levels. (More)
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Gutierrez Statement on House Passage of Economic Stimulus Plan
Washington (Jan. 29)—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement on the House passage of the economic stimulus package: “While our economy continues to grow, we are clearly facing some economic headwinds. The bipartisan economic growth plan advanced by President Bush and Congressional leaders will provide an economic “booster shot,” and help us continue to grow our economy, put money in the hands of consumers and create jobs. I congratulate Speaker Pelosi and Republican Leader Boehner for moving so quickly to pass a package that is broad-based, temporary and effective—and without raising taxes on Americans.” (More)
Bush Calls on Congress to Pass Stimulus Package and Free Trade Agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea
Washington (Jan. 28)—In his final State of the Union address, President George W. Bush highlighted the need to quickly pass an economic stimulus plan that “is a good agreement that will keep our economy growing and our people working.” He also noted the importance of passing pending free trade agreements saying, “They will support good jobs for the finest workers in the world: those whose products say ‘Made in the USA’.” (More)
Know Your State, Economically Speaking
Washington (Jan. 28)—People in Hawaii spent an average of $609 per person at fast-food restaurants in 2002, more than the residents of any other state. Delaware has the highest annual per capita spending at shoe stores ($128). Economically speaking, every state leads the nation at something. You can find these facts at Top-Ranked States by Industry, a new U.S. Census Bureau Web page that highlights state-level findings from the 2002 Economic Census. (More)
Commerce’s NTIA Urges Federal Partners to Help Reach Targeted Communities about the DTV Transition
Washington (Jan. 24)—The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) hosted a meeting with more than 15 other federal agencies to further coordinate efforts to educate the nation about the February 17, 2009, deadline to transition to digital television. “These partners are particularly important in reaching the communities most at risk for losing television broadcasts,” said NTIA Acting Administrator Meredith Baker. (More)
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Gutierrez Highlights Trade and Exports at Poultry and Egg Industry Event in Atlanta
Atlanta (Jan. 24)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez addressed the poultry and egg industry in Atlanta, highlighting pending free-trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea, and emphasizing the potential benefits to America’s agriculture industry. He also announced that for the first time in nearly a decade the Commerce Department has begun providing annual export data for major metropolitan areas. “Exports boost jobs, grow the economy and allow businesses to prosper,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez. “These new data show that cities across the country are thriving in the global economy.” (Remarks) (Release) (Fact Sheet) (Data)