Washington, DC - Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Information Policy, the Census and National Archives, applauded President Obama’s nomination of former Washington State Governor Gary Locke to become the Secretary of Commerce. 

 “Governor Locke is a great choice to lead the Commerce Department,” said Chairman Clay. “I look forward to working with him on the Census and to helping him advance the President’s agenda for fair trade and job creation.  His nomination is more evidence of President Obama’s commitment to diversity in his Cabinet.  It also sends a strong message that America is open for business and we expect to lead a worldwide economic recovery.  I congratulate Governor Locke and I look forward to his swift confirmation in the U.S. Senate.