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Secretary Gutierrez Statement on Cuban Regime’s Failure to Respond to U.S.’s Fourth Offer of Humanitarian Assistance to Cuba
Washington (Sept. 24)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement regarding the Cuban government’s five-day silence following our fourth offer of humanitarian aid in the wake of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike: “Our offer is unprecedented and unconditional. We regret that the Cuban government has failed to move quickly to accept our latest offer of humanitarian assistance.On Friday, the United States extended its fourth offer, which was in direct response to the Cuban government’s plea for construction materials.” (More)
OMB E-Gov Administrator Addresses Computer Security at NIST
Gaithersburg, Md. (Sept. 24)—Office of Management and Budget Administrator of E-Government and Information Technology Karen Evans gave the keynote address at the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) 4th Annual Security Automation Conference and Workshop Conference showcasing emerging topics such as digital rights management and virtualization and demonstrating the use of open standards to automate computer security tasks. (More)
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President Bush Discusses Free Trade with Western Hemisphere Leaders
New York (Sept. 24)—Following remarks to the United Nations General Assembly the previous day, President Bush joined Western Hemisphere leaders at the Council of the Americas to discuss the importance of free trade to our region’s growth and prosperity. He said, “It’s important for the American people to understand that exports benefit workers. Half of our growth last year was the result of trade. And therefore, it’s in our interest to continue to open up markets, particularly in our own neighborhood.” (Speech)
New Census Bureau Data Show How America Lives
Washington (Sept. 23)—At least one-in-five residents of Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas spoke Spanish at home in 2007, according to new American Community Survey data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. The annual release of American Community Survey data about the social, economic and housing characteristics of the nation’s population also show state rankings on topics such as which state had the highest household size (Utah), and which had the highest percentage of college graduates. (District of Columbia and Massachusetts). (More)
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NIST Hosts Biometrics Conference Featuring Latest Identification and Recognition Technologies
Tampa, Fla. (Sept. 23)—The Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is co-sponsoring the Biometric Consortium Conference 2008 from September 23—25. The conference will include internationally recognized experts focusing on biometric technologies for homeland security, identity management, border crossing, electronic commerce and other applications. More than 1000 attendees are expected. (More)
Gutierrez Calls on International Community to Focus on Cuban Human Rights Absuses
Cambridge, Mass. (Sept. 22)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez delivered keynote remarks on U.S.-Cuba relations to students and faculty of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. In his remarks he highlighted Cuba’s refusal of U.S. humanitarian aid following Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. He also called on the international community to focus attention on human rights abuses in Cuba. He said, “You may disagree on the embargo. You may disagree on our policy … But I hope there’s no disagreement about fundamental human rights.” (Transcript) (Video)
Commerce Secretary Gutierrez Announces $9.3 Million in Disaster Grants to the State of Louisiana in the Wake of Hurricane Gustav
Baton Rouge, La. (Sept. 22)—Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development and Chief Operating Officer Benjamin Erulkar today presented $9.3 million in federal funds on behalf of Commerce Secretary Gutierrez to regions in Louisiana, including a $2.5 million check to the State. The funds will assist with the economic recovery of communities affected by Hurricane Gustav.Pictured (L-R): Fran Gladden, Louisiana Economic Development; Stephen Moret, Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development; U.S. Congressman Rodney Alexander; Benjamin Erulkar, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development and Chief Operating Officer. (More)
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United States Extends Fourth Offer of Humanitarian Assistance to Cuba
Washington (Sept. 21)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement regarding the United States’ fourth offer to send humanitarian aid to Cuba: “On Friday, September 19, 2008, the United States extended its fourth offer of aid to the Cuban people who continue to suffer from the destruction of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Our most recent offer was in direct response to the Cuban government’s plea for construction materials. In addition to our previous offers, USAID is prepared to deliver, via air and sea, building supplies and shelter kits that could provide temporary and permanent housing that will help 48,000 Cubans. (More)
Statement by Secretary Gutierrez after Meeting with Georgian Minister of Economic Development
Washington (Sept. 19)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez today released the following statement regarding the visit of Georgian Minister of Economic Development Ekaterine Sharashidze. “The United States is supporting Georgia’s efforts to rebuild and strengthen its economy. Georgia is a democracy with an open market that offers broad opportunities for U.S. companies, including infrastructure reconstruction. “We look forward to working with Minister Sharashidze to expand the U.S.-Georgia trade and commercial relationship. We are committed to ensuring that the democratic and economic gains that Georgia has made over the past several years are not lost.” (More)
EDA Presents Illinois Funding to Develop and Implement State-Wide Flood Recovery Strategy
East Alton, Ill. (Sept. 18)—Economic and Development Administration Director of Public Affairs Kelly O’Brien (third from right) presented a $500,000 EDA investment check to Illinois Deputy Governor Louanner Peters to develop and implement a state-wide flood recovery strategy. The strategy will ensure that communities devastated by recent natural disasters have clearly articulated an actionable long-term disaster recovery plan that will be integrated with other region-wide economic recovery strategies. (More)