Each week, we recap the latest U.S. Department of Commerce highlights spanning a wide range of issues promoting job creation and economic growth, programs, and events in one blog post.
Here are the key moments from Commerce: This Week
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross
Op-Ed by Wilbur Ross and Eugene Scalia: America's Broad-Based Effort to Get Workers Better Jobs
"American workers and businesses have a shared interest in developing high-quality skills for the workplace" — and this doesn’t necessarily require a four-year degree, wrote Secretary Ross and Secretary Scalia in The Advocate on July 24.
Commerce Department Files Petition to Clarify Liability Protections for Online Platforms and Protect Against Censorship
On July 27, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) filed a petition for rulemaking with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on behalf of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross seeking to clarify regulations related to section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. ⇒ Read more
“Many Americans rely on online platforms to stay informed and connected, sharing their thoughts and ideas on issues important to them, which can oftentimes lead to free and open debate around public policies and upcoming elections,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “It has long been the policy of the United States to foster a robust marketplace of ideas on the Internet and the free flow of information around the world. President Trump is committed to protecting the rights of all Americans to express their views and not face unjustified restrictions or selective censorship from a handful of powerful companies.”
Recent U.S. Fishing Years Marked by Economic Gains, Milestones in Sustainability
On July 28, two announcements from the NOAA Fisheries offered a ‘snapshot in time’ of the population status of U.S. federal fisheries in 2019, and the economic performance of commercial fishing, recreational fishing, and related businesses in 2017.
"It's important we acknowledge the achievements in sustainable fisheries made in recent years by fishermen, industries, scientists, managers, and conservationists across our Nation. These updates are a testament to their outstanding work," said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “To that end, President Trump has announced the availability of $300 million to support U.S. fishing communities that have been particularly hard-hit by COVID-19. The Department of Commerce stands with U.S. fishermen and coastal industries as we work to increase America’s competitiveness in the seafood industry and protect our seafood supply chain."
Last week, through the CARES Act, the U.S. Economic Development Administration invested $49.4 million in 53 projects across 26 states to help American communities respond to and recover from COVID-19.
Around the Bureaus
On July 23, the U.S. Population Clock hit 330 million at 8:02 a.m. EDT based on population components measured since the 2010 Census.
On July 24, the U.S. Census Bureau reported sales of new single-family houses in June 2020 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 776,000. This is 13.8 percent (+/- 17.8%)* above the revised May 2020 estimate of 682,000.
(*) The 90% confidence interval includes zero. The Census Bureau does not have sufficient statistical evidence to conclude that the actual change is different from zero.
On July 27, the National Institute of Standards and Technology introduced a new blog series, Differential Privacy for Privacy-Preserving Data Analysis. Each post will begin with conceptual basics and practical use cases, aimed at helping professionals such as business process owners or privacy program personnel.
On July 28, the U.S. Commercial Service began a six-part Women’s Global Trade Empowerment Forum focused on delivering expertise on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and guidance on building a solid export strategy. Reserve your spot for the next session.
On July 29, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a $7 Million investment to make critical infrastructure improvements needed to protect Montana businesses from future floods.
“The Trump Administration continues to work diligently to rebuild and protect communities impacted by natural disasters,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “The three new bridges and enhanced roadways to be built with support from this investment will strengthen the economic resilience of southeastern Montana and protect the state from future natural disasters.”
2020 Census
The 2020 Census is your opportunity to shape the future of your community. You can complete the census online, by phone, and by mail. Learn more at http://2020CENSUS.GOV.