Secretary Nominee: Governor Bill Richardson
(Withdrawn from Consideration)
Department of Commerce
Fourteenth Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20230
202.482.2000
www.doc.gov







Role: The Secretary is responsible for the administration of all functions and authorities assigned to the Department of Commerce and for advising the President on Federal policy and programs affecting the industrial and commercial segments of the national economy. The Secretary is served by the offices of Deputy Secretary, Inspector General, General Counsel, and the Assistant Secretaries of Administration, Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Public Affairs.

Background: The Department of Commerce encourages, serves, and promotes the nation’s international trade, economic growth, and technological advancement. The Department provides a wide variety of programs through the competitive free enterprise system. It offers assistance and information to increase America’s competitiveness in the world economy; administers programs to prevent unfair foreign trade competition; provides social and economic statistics and analyses for business and government planners; provides research support for the increased use of scientific, engineering, and technological development; works to improve our understanding and benefits of the Earth’s physical environment and oceanic resources; grants patents and registers trademarks; develops policies and conducts research on telecommunications; provides assistance to promote domestic economic development; and assists in the growth of minority businesses.

Historical Note: The Department was designated by act of March 14, 1913 (15 U.S.C. 1501), which reorganized the Department of Commerce and Labor, created by act of February 14, 1903 (15 U.S.C. 1501) by transferring all labor activities into a new, separate Department of Labor.


Agencies under Jurisdiction:

Economics and Statistics Administration
Department of Commerce
Washington, DC 20230
202.482.3727

Bureau of Industry and Security
Departmemt of Commerce
Washington, DC 20230
202.482.2721

Economic Development Administration
Department of Commerce
Washington, DC 20230
202.482.2309

International Trade Administration
Department of Commerce
Washington, DC 20230
202.482.3917

Minority Business Development Agency
Department of Commerce
Washington, DC 20230
202.482.5061
www.mbda.gov

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Department of Commerce
Washington, DC 20230
202.482.2985
www.noaa.gov

National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Department of Commerce
Washington, DC 20230
202.428.1840

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
2121 Crystal Drive
Arlington, VA 22202
703.305.8341
www.uspto.gov

Technology Administration
Department of Commerce
Washington, DC 20230
202.482.1575

Source: United States Government Manual