Gary Locke

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. law makes it difficult for the United States to investigate charges China's currency practices constitute an unfair trade subsidy, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke told senators in a letter. A copy of the letter to Senators Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat, and Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, was obtained by Reuters on Wednesday. Locke's comments could give fresh impetus to a bill in Congress giving the U.S. Commerce Department clearer authority to deal with foreign currency manipulation. "I agree with you fully that subsidy allegations involving China's currency practices should be assessed no differently than any other subsidy ... Read Full Story

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke told representatives of Midwest states on Tuesday that the growth of clean energy industries is key to the region's economic recovery and future. Locke said new federal efforts such as a one-stop office in the Detroit area to make his department's services more accessible to businesses are part of a broader push to jumpstart job creation. "Our fight to build a new, clean energy economy is just getting started and it is a fight that we simply must win," Locke said. His remarks kicked off a two-day Midwestern Governors Association's Jobs and Energy Forum in Detroit. Locke said the ... Read Full Story

President Barack Obama has nominated Gary Locke Secretary of Commerce. This is the third time that President Barack Obama is trying to fill a key Cabinet post for a country in recession. Here's what Gary Locke had to say at his nomination: "The Department of Commerce plays a critical role in nurturing innovation, expanding global markets, protecting and managing our ocean fisheries, and fostering economic growth," Secretary-designate Locke said. "The Department of Commerce can and will help create the jobs and the economic vitality our nation needs." He told the story of his family's journey to the United States and their struggle for success, ... Read Full Story

The Obama administration has struggled to complete its economic team in the midst of the worst financial crisis to hit the country in seven decades. The final Cabinet-level spot to be filled was commerce secretary, a selection that was delayed because Obama's first two picks for the job — New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire — ended up withdrawing. By the time Obama's third choice, Washington state Gov. Gary Locke, took office on March 26, the administration was more than two months old. Now that Locke is on the job, what sorts of challenges will he be facing? ... Read Full Story

US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said Thursday that he had raised concerns over Internet censorship and online control with Chinese officials. "The issue of Internet control, the issues confronted by Google, the Green Dam issue were raised," Locke told journalists on the second day of a visit to China. Locke discussed the issues in talks with his Chinese counterpart Chen Deming and other officials, he said. He had also met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, along with US Energy Secretary Steven Chu. The "Green Dam" issue refers to an Internet filtering software that China had proposed for all new computers sold in the country. ... Read Full Story