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Statement by Secretary Gutierrez 0n October’s Employment Report
Washington (Nov. 7)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez today released the following statement on the October Employment Report, which showed that the unemployment rate is 6.5 percent: “Today’s report reflects the effect of the distressed credit markets on our economy and is disappointing for many families throughout our country. We strongly believe that any American who wants to work should be able to find and keep a good job.” (More)
“Commerce Helps Freedom and Freedom Helps Commerce,” Gutierrez Says of Administration’s Accomplishments in Spreading Freedom and Democracy
Washington (Nov. 6)—Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez spoke at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars about the Bush Administration’s achievements in spreading freedom and democracy through commerce. From Iraq to Afghanistan, to Georgia and throughout Latin America, where entrepreneurs, free enterprise and innovators flourish, so does creativity, prosperity and increasingly freedom. “Free trade agreements work. They work for both sides…[and] probably the single biggest example that I can think of for commerce to make a difference is for Congress to approve the free trade agreement with Colombia,” Secretary Gutierrez said. (Remarks)
Secretary Gutierrez Ensures Smooth Commerce Transition
Washington (Nov. 6)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez issued the following statement on the transition: “The Department of Commerce welcomes members of the new Administration and we look forward to working with them to ensure a seamless transition. We have taken a series of important steps to ensure that the incoming team quickly understands the Department’s ongoing work and has immediate access to necessary resources. We are committed to ensuring that the Department continues to serve the American people with the highest level of efficiency and professionalism.” (More) (Fact Sheet)
William J. Brennan Becomes Acting NOAA Administrator
Washington (Nov. 6)—William J. Brennan, Ph.D., has become Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Acting Administrator of NOAA, effective November 1. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Brennan, currently Assistant Secretary and Deputy Administrator, succeeds retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher Jr., who resigned to return to private life after guiding NOAA for the past seven years. Brennan was confirmed as Assistant Secretary by the U.S. Senate in June. He is responsible for managing NOAA's science and operational programs. (More)