U.S. Chamber Pledges to Work with Commerce Secretary to Jumpstart Economy, Promote Trade

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue issued the following statement today on President Barack Obama's selection of former Washington Governor Gary Locke to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce:

"The U.S. Chamber welcomes the selection of Gary Locke as Commerce Secretary and shares his commitment to reviving our economy and creating jobs in America.

"Today's economic challenges are unprecedented but Locke is well prepared in at least three ways to address them: he understands the importance of trade, he has the political skills to get things done, and he has proven experience as an executive. There's little doubt that this nominee to head Commerce is ready to hit the ground running.

"The Chamber has already worked extensively with the administration and Congress to pass the stimulus bill. The business community must continue to remain part of a successful and sustainable economic recovery. We're ready to get to work with Governor Locke on solutions to this recession that will create jobs, restore economic growth, and ensure that America's businesses and workers can compete around the world."

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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