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
On April 15, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) launched a joint effort to support the development of search engines for research that will help in the fight against COVID-19.
“Our nation’s scientific enterprise is mobilized to defeat the invisible enemy that is COVID-19,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “Our scientists — and the businesses and institutions that provide them with advanced digital research technologies — are to be commended for their unwavering dedication to finding a cure for this insidious disease.”
On April 16, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration is awarding a $4.5 million grant to convert former Naval Station Roosevelt Roads to commercial use.
"The Trump Administration is committed to assisting Puerto Rico as they work to recover from the 2017 hurricanes. The redevelopment of the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station will bring businesses back to a vital waterfront area," said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.
On April 20, the Minority Business Development Agency announced the award of two competitive grants for the launch and operation of the Minority Business Enterprise Inner City Innovation HUBs.
"The Trump Administration is doing its part to support economic growth by providing access to capital in communities with the greatest needs. We are tremendously proud of this initiative to spur entrepreneurship in inner cities and economically distressed neighborhoods," said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.
Signing Ceremony for H.R. 266, Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act
Commerce Tightens Restrictions on Technology Exports to Combat Chinese, Russian and Venezuelan Military Circumvention Efforts
On April 27, the Department of Commerce announced new export control actions to prevent efforts by entities in China, Russia, and Venezuela to acquire U.S. technology that could be used in the development of weapons, military aircraft, or surveillance technology through civilian supply chains, or under civilian-use pretenses, for military end uses and military end-users.
Around the Bureaus
On April 16, the National Institute of Standards and Technology released a new tool that can help hospitals and medical professionals determine which rooms should be used to disinfect N95 masks.
On April 21, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forged a formal agreement with Vulcan Inc. to share data resulting from the two organization’s ocean work.
Recognizing Earth Day!
On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we pay tribute to our Nation’s long history of environmental stewardship and conservation, and we reaffirm our commitment to protecting our natural treasures for the benefit and enjoyment of all Americans.
Holocaust Remembrance Day
On April 23, the U.S. Department of Commerce hosted Hope in Uncertain Times: A Virtual Holocaust Remembrance Program.
On April 23, the U.S. Census Bureau launched the Household Pulse Survey. Survey results can assist businesses and help guide decisions on COVID-19 economic aid and recovery packages.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recognizes World IP Day!
Twenty years ago, the World Intellectual Property Organization designated April 26 as World Intellectual Property Day to recognize the importance of innovation, creativity, and the positive role of intellectual property.
Everyone Counts. Respond to the 2020 Census Now.
At a time when we're all keeping a little distance, we can still come together. Respond to the #2020Census online today at http://2020CENSUS.GOV.