Press Release

Nat Wienecke Sworn In As Commerce Department Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs

WASHINGTON—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez made the following statement at the swearing in ceremony of Nat Wienecke as the Commerce Department’s Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs:

"It is my pleasure to swear in Nat as Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Commerce Department.

"Nat has provided me with invaluable advice and support at the Commerce Department and he has helped me to navigate the halls of Congress. We have worked together to make sure that legislation impacting industry, trade and the private sector work to the benefit of a thriving economy," said Gutierrez.

"Nat understands the advantages of free and fair trade, the rewards in environmental stewardship, and the importance of keeping America competitive in the ever-growing global economy. On Capitol Hill, he is a strong advocate for these and other priorities outlined by the President and Commerce Department."

Wienecke, a native of Long Island, NY, has been serving as the Acting-Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. He was confirmed by the Senate on August 3, 2006.

"I am thankful for the confidence that President Bush and Secretary Gutierrez have in me," said Wienecke. "I look forward to working with Members of both parties to honor our finest traditions of providing results for the American people."

Since coming to Washington in 1995, Wienecke has held senior positions with the House Government Reform Committee, Members of Congress, and the Commerce Department.

Wienecke resides in Alexandria, Va. with his wife Chantal and daughter Kendall.