Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS |
Monday, June 30, 2008 |
202-482-4883 |
Secretary Gutierrez Applauds Confirmation of Commerce Assistant Secretary Christopher R. Wall
WASHINGTON—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today issued the following statement commending the United States Senate for their confirmation of Christopher R. Wall as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, Friday evening, June 27:
“I would like to thank the Senate for the confirmation of Chris Wall as Commerce Assistant Secretary. As Assistant Secretary, Chris will play a key role in our nation’s dual-use export policies, by strengthening national security while ensuring the expansion of American prosperity.
“Chris has distinguished himself in international trade where he has developed an impressive knowledge and understanding of export controls. This background makes him an asset to the Department and to the Bureau of Industry and Security’s stakeholders. I also thank Chairman Chris Dodd’s leadership throughout the confirmation process and Ranking Member Richard Shelby for their support of Chris’ nomination.”
Background
As Assistant Secretary for Export Administration (EA), Chris Wall will serve as the principal advisor to the Under Secretary on dual-use export control policy. United States national security and foreign policy interests are safeguarded through EA’s administration of export control laws relating to dual-use items. At the same time, EA seeks to reduce the regulatory burdens impeding international marketing which will aid in the economic growth of the United States.
Prior to his confirmation, Wall was a senior international trade partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP where he focused on export controls, foreign investment, international trade proceedings and policy.Mr. Wall received undergraduate degrees from Yale University and Oxford University and his J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School. He is a member of the bars of the District of Columbia and New York, as well as the Court of International Trade and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.