Commerce Secretary John Bryson Oral Statement on Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Before Senate Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Thank you Chairwoman Mikulski, Ranking Member Hutchison, and Members of the Subcommittee. I am pleased to offer a written statement for the record and to discuss President Obama’s Fiscal Year ‘13 budget request for the Commerce Department.
Before I begin, I want to say that it is an honor to testify before the longest-serving female member in the history of Congress. As the father of four daughters, I deeply admire your service to the people of Maryland and our nation since being elected to Congress in 1976. Thank you and congratulations, Chairwoman Mikulski, on making history once again.
In my first five months as Secretary, I have seen many examples of how the Commerce Department supports American business. Just last Friday, I visited Pavilion Furniture. It’s a small manufacturer in Miami who we are helping to start exporting to the Caribbean and Asia. The owner Mike Buzzella said, “The introductions that the Commerce Department just made for us in Panama and the Pacific Rim are helping find new ways to grow in a global economy.” This budget reflects a commitment to helping businesses like Mike’s continue to drive competitiveness, innovation, and job creation. It includes eight billion dollars in discretionary funding and 2.3 billion dollars in mandatory funding.
Throughout this budget, we have made smart and tough choices that cut costs, while building only on programs that truly work.
Key priorities are in areas where we see growth and promise such as advanced manufacturing, exporting, and attracting foreign direct investment.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
