
03/02/2023
The Biden economic plan is working.
Secretary Gina Raimondo is the 40th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Operating as usual
The Biden economic plan is working.
When President Biden took office, the unemployment rate was 6.3%. Today, it’s just 3.4%.
That’s the lowest in 53 years.
30 years after the signing of the landmark Family and Medical Leave Act, our work still remains. The U.S. is the only industrialized country that doesn't have paid leave.
It’s unacceptable – and it’s time we change it.
The unemployment rate is near record lows for Black and Hispanic Americans – and at a record low for people with disabilities.
We’re building an economy that works for all Americans.
The Economic Census is the most comprehensive measure of the U.S. economy – and invitations are being mailed out now to over four million business locations.
Your response matters! Learn more:
Mailout of the 2022 Economic Census has begun! The Economic Census serves as the cornerstone of the nation’s economic statistics and the information it collects helps shape decisions that affect the health of the economy.
Today, Commerce released new findings on how we can boost competition in the mobile app markets. Mobile apps have become essential tools in our daily lives – and it’s more important than ever that the market for mobile apps remains competitive.
Our report identified two key policy issues hindering a more competitive app ecosystem:
1. Consumers largely can’t get apps outside of the app store model, controlled by Apple and Google
2. Apple and Google create hurdles for developers
The full report offers recommendations to improve the app ecosystem for users. Read more here:
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) said in a new report Wednesday that the current mobile app store model is harmful to consumers and developers, and recommended policy changes to fix it.
With the CHIPS and Science Act, we’re going to spur innovation and build the future right here in America.
During Black History Month, we honor the powerful history of Black Americans, celebrate the progress we’ve made, and recommit to the work that remains. At Commerce, we’re building an economy rooted in equity – one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Today, I met with Ed Husic, Australia’s Minister for Industry and Science. We discussed our cooperation on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, the 🇦🇺-🇺🇸 Strategic Commercial Dialogue, and issues such as critical minerals and supply chain resiliency.
https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2023/01/readout-secretary-raimondos-meeting-australian-minister-industry-and
Right now, only 2% of America’s businesses are Black-owned and men own 3x the number of small businesses as women.
We’re committed to changing that – and America will be stronger when we do.
Let’s not forget where we were when President Joe Biden took office – the economy was in crisis.
Now, we’ve achieved record job creation, record low unemployment, and a record number of small business applications.
America is on the move once again.
The CHIPS and Science Act has already sparked announcements of:
✅ 40 new projects
✅ $200 billion in private investments
✅ 40,000 new good-paying, high-quality jobs
And we’re just getting started.
Today, we’re announcing more than $33.5 million in Internet for All grants to 12 minority-serving colleges and universities.
At Commerce, we’re working every day to close the digital divide and bring high-speed internet to every community.
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today it has awarded 12 grants as part of the part of the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program (CMC).
Under President Biden, the unemployment rate has gone from 6.3% to just 3.5%.
The lowest level in 50 years.
With the Capital Readiness Program, we’re going to provide resources and tools to ensure more women and minority entrepreneurs have access to the capital, mentors, and networks they need to succeed.
I visited Cleveland last week to highlight the new initiative.
High-speed internet is essential. That’s why we're delivering affordable, high-speed internet to every American.
This week, Deputy Secretary Graves and I had the honor of hosting the Commerce Department’s 74th Annual Honor Awards Ceremony. The honorees have gone above and beyond to deliver for American companies, workers, and families.
Congrats to all our winners – I’m so proud to work with you.
NEWS: Last quarter, we experienced strong growth in GDP, consumer spending, and disposable income.
The Biden economic plan is working.
⬆️ Strong GDP growth
⬆️ Record job growth
⬆️ Rising wages
⬇️ Record-low unemployment
⬇️ Falling gas prices
⬇️ Moderating inflation
The Biden economic plan is working.
Meet Mary Johnson. She owns Vitiman Kandie at the Glen Village Incubator – a space where entrepreneurs can test their businesses – and is opening a second location this month.
With the US Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)’s new grant program, we’re going to fund innovative programs like these across the country.
We’ve added 750,000 manufacturing jobs since President Biden took office.
American manufacturing is back.
Thanks to President Biden's historic American Rescue Plan, the EDA made once-in-a-generation investments to support American workers, businesses, and communities.
From the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the CHIPS and Science Act, we’ve passed historic legislation over the last two years.
Now, we're laser-focused on implementation.
We’re working every day to deliver progress for the American people.
Take a look at these stats:
- Only 2% of America’s businesses are Black-owned businesses
- Men own 3x the number of small businesses as women
- Black women receive less than .5% of venture funding
It’s outrageous – and we’re going to help change it with the US Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) grant program.
Chips power everything from cars to cell phones – they’re essential to our everyday lives.
But the U.S. only produces 10% of global chip capacity.
The CHIPS and Science Act is changing that – creating good-paying jobs, lowering costs, and bolstering American innovation.
The last time unemployment was this low…I wasn’t even born yet!
The Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency is the only federal agency entirely focused on assisting minority-owned businesses.
I stopped by LEFCO Worthington last week with Rep. Shontel Brown to learn how the MBDA has helped their business grow and thrive.
Always great to catch up with my friend, Mayor Smiley! Congratulations on your recent election and thanks for stopping by.
When President Biden took office two years ago, 18 million Americans were out of work.
Now, that number is under 1.6 million.
That's the lowest level in decades.
It was great to sit down with Mayor Gallego to discuss how we’re working with local leaders to close the digital divide, bolster innovation through CHIPS, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen the economy.
Thanks for having me, United States Conference of Mayors!
Two years of historic progress.
Let’s keep it going.
Two years ago today, President Biden took office in the midst of crises.
Now, the economy is growing, manufacturing is booming, and we’ve built the most significant legislative record since the Johnson Administration.
It’s clear: President Biden is delivering for the American people.
Thank you for stopping by yesterday, Congressman McCaul. Implementing robust export controls to protect our national security and keep our most advanced tech out of the Chinese military’s hands is a bipartisan priority. I look forward to continuing our work on this important issue.
Yesterday in Cleveland, I met with minority entrepreneurs to hear their stories and discuss the MBDA grant program.
We’re going to build on MBDA's track record of success and give more minority business enterprises and underserved entrepreneurs the tools they need to thrive.
At the U.S. Department of Commerce, we’re focused on helping small businesses grow and thrive.
The result?
The last two years have been the greatest years on record for small business applications. And with programs like the MBDA grant competition, we’re going to keep our progress going.
Hello, Cleveland! Excited to be here to
tour local businesses, meet with leaders, and highlight USMBDA's new grant program.
10 million
That’s how many new businesses were created in President Biden's first two years. It’s historic.
Today, we learned that President Joe Biden's first two years in office were the greatest two years for new small business applications on record.
It's another clear indication that the Biden economic plan is working.
Small businesses are the engines of our economy and the hearts of our communities. We learned today that my first two years in office have been the two
President Biden's first two years in office were the strongest years of job growth in American history.
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We are excited to bring SelectUSA back to National Harbor to establish connections, have crucial conversations on foreign direct investment, and create a space for participants to learn why the U.S. remains the most attractive place in the world for businesses to invest and grow. For 10 years and counting, the U.S. has ranked as the top destination for global companies to invest and SelectUSA is critical to this success. I look forward to returning in May to join a cohort of gifted public and private sector leaders to discuss a wide range of opportunities for partnership and investment here in the U.S. Learn more about next year's event: https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2022/10/registration-open-selectusa-investment-summit-taking-place-next-may
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo Applauds Final Passage of CHIPS Legislation
I was honored to deliver remarks at the U.S. National Day at World Expo in Dubai. Expo 2020 Dubai congratulations on celebrating your golden jubilee—50 years as a nation. Expo 2020 Dubai is an extraordinary accomplishment, and a first for the Middle East. The United States greatly appreciates the UAE’s commitment to a successful, inclusive, safe, and healthy Expo for everyone. The US and UAE have an enduring partnership built on trade, mutual understanding, and a commitment to regional security and stability.
Today, I'm announcing that Commerce’s bureau the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is awarding $277M in grants to expand broadband infrastructure. These awards are another example of the Biden administration’s commitment to closing the digital divide and building strong partnerships with those who can help us expand internet access. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we now have the opportunity to connect every unserved household in the country, ensuring that all Americans are able to participate in our 21st-century economy.
Let me be clear. The America COMPETES Act is the biggest investment in American research and development and competitiveness in a generation. We have to vote for it and anyone who is serious about America competing in the world should vote yes.
Black history is American history. This Black History Month, let us reflect and share the rich history of the African American community. This month we recommit ourselves U.S. Department of Commerce to ensure we build a department that is rooted in equity and opportunity. Check out this powerful video by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture showcasing American History through the African American lens.
America has the strongest economic growth since the 80s, along with the greatest year of job growth in US history. We are the only economy in the world stronger now than pre-pandemic. This is no accident. President Joe Biden's economic policies are working & there is still more to be done.
President Joe Biden created more jobs last year than any other President in history. The unemployment rate is down 70% from when he was sworn in, the biggest single-year drop in American history. Yes, we have more work to do, but the US economy is strong.