During a recent discussion at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves addressed the expanding role of the Department of Commerce in national security. This expansion has occurred under the Biden-Harris Administration due to technological advancements and emerging threats from adversaries.

Graves introduced the Commerce Department's first-ever strategy on national security, which serves as a guide to leveraging the department's unique tools and capabilities to tackle national and economic security challenges. The strategy, titled "The Decisive Decade: Advancing National Security at the Department of Commerce," aims to align programs, authorities, and actions impacting national security.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo previously emphasized this critical need at the Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California. Deputy Secretary Graves stated, "At the Department of Commerce, our commitment to economic security is increasingly relevant to strengthening our national security. We are investing in the tools and resources necessary to address the challenges we are facing in today’s rapidly evolving national security environment, and to better prepare us for the changing landscape of tomorrow."

He further highlighted that "The Decisive Decade underscores the new and expansive role that the Department plays in helping to protect U.S. national security, alongside our interagency partners." To achieve these strategic objectives, coordination between government partners and the private sector is essential.

The strategy focuses on protecting Americans from emerging threats by promoting inclusive economic policies that support innovation and advance common good goals.