The following is a cross-post from the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves joined Federal, state and local officials at a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of a NOAA project to revitalize the agency’s port facility in Ketchikan, Alaska. “Building back better with climate-resilient infrastructure is what...

Today, Secretary Raimondo had an introductory meeting with Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Hong Dien. During their phone call, the Secretary and Minister Dien discussed the significance of the U.S.-Vietnam commercial relationship and potential areas for further growth. Secretary Raimondo highlighted the importance of energy sector cooperation, such as in renewable energy and...

Good afternoon, everyone! Thank you, Senator Sullivan, for the kind introduction and for welcoming me to Alaska. And thank you to all of you for participating in today’s important conversation. In the last eighteen months, COVID-19 has impacted every community in America and across the world. We have seen firsthand how our families, our businesses, and our communities have been devastated by this...

Good afternoon, everyone! And congratulations, Ketchikan, on being re-certified as an official Coast Guard City! Thank you, Senator Sullivan, and Mayors Sivertsen and Dial, for welcoming me to your beautiful state and city. Before we start, I would like to use the opportunity to thank the Coast Guard and NOAA for all you do year-round, and especially now to protect our communities from the impact...

Good morning, everyone! Thank you, Admiral Hann, for the kind introduction. Before we start, I would like to use the opportunity to thank NOAA and the Coast Guard for all you do year-round, and especially now to protect our communities from the impact of extreme weather events. Our thoughts now are with everyone in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, who are in Hurricane Ida’s path. I would also...

The following is a cross-post from the office of Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed Investing in America’s care economy workforce and infrastructure will boost U.S. economy & improve access to essential health, education, childcare and elder care services In an effort to boost economic recovery, deliver critical services for children, families, and seniors, and promote sustainable economic growth, U.S...

Earlier this month, Deputy Secretary Don Graves hosted a virtual roundtable discussion on the economic impact and need to have accessible and affordable childcare in the workplace with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Deputy Secretary Graves was joined by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden and AFSCME President Lee Saunders in emphasizing the importance of family...

The following is a blog post by S. Shyam Sunder who led the Federal Building and Fire Safety Investigation of the World Trade Center Disaster in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) buildings following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, was one of the worst-ever building disasters in recorded history — killing 2,749 people...