Concerns, GOP Block Discussed at Commerce Nomination Hearing
On June 21, 2011, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee held a hearing on the nomination of John Bryson for Secretary of Commerce1. During the hearing, Committee members noted Bryson’s extensive business experience, but some expressed concern about his experience with the National Resources Defense Council, his support for a 2009 cap-and-trade bill, and the National Labor Relations Board’s lawsuit against Boeing (where Bryson was a Director).
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Bryson Supports NEI and SME Initiatives, Business Reg and Tax Simplification
In his written testimony, Bryson noted that making the U.S. more competitive starts with the Commerce Department’s leadership role in the President’s National Export Initiative. Bryson also pledged to help more small- and medium-sized businesses break into new markets and hold U.S. trading partners accountable. In addition, Bryson expressed support for simplification of business regulations and taxation.
Republicans Continue to Threaten to Withhold Support for Nomination Until FTAs are Submitted
During the nomination hearing, Senator Thune (R) noted that it will be difficult for Republicans to support Mr. Bryson’s nomination until the President submits the implementing legislation package for the pending FTAs with Korea, Colombia, and Panama.
(In March 2011, nearly all Senate Republicans sent a letter to the Senate Majority Leader saying that until the President submits the implementing legislation packages for all three pending FTAs they would withhold support for any nominee for Commerce Secretary and any other trade-related nominees. See ITT's Online Archives or 03/15/11 news, 11031502, for BP summary of Republican letter.)
1The hearing also considered the nomination of Terry Garcia to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce.
Witness testimony, opening statements, archived webcast available here