WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo shared key achievements at the Department of Commerce in 2023. She expressed gratitude for working with dedicated civil servants and emphasized the commitment to improving America’s competitiveness. President Biden’s agenda has led to significant investments in broadband, manufacturing, economic development, workforce training, supply chains, and climate readiness.
In 2023, the focus was on implementing transformative initiatives funded by various acts. Progress was made in revitalizing the semiconductor industry, providing affordable, high-speed internet nationwide, rebuilding communities, and empowering the workforce for success in the modern economy.
Secretary Raimondo looks forward to 2024, acknowledging significant progress but emphasizing the need for more transformative changes to empower America in the 21st century.
Notable achievements include:
- CHIPS for America Program: Launched initiatives for semiconductor manufacturing incentives and outlined a vision for the National Semiconductor Technology Center. Over 550 companies expressed interest.
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA): Awarded over $1.3 billion in grants to bridge the digital divide, including funding for Internet for All in every state and territory. NTIA also released the National Spectrum Strategy and began awarding funding for the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund.
- Economic Development Administration (EDA): Designated 31 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) to boost local economies. EDA also announced 22 finalists for the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program.
- Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF): Secretary Raimondo concluded Clean Economy and Fair Economy IPEF Pillars, along with signing a landmark Supply Chain Agreement.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Awarded $1.1 billion in grant and contract projects for coastal and climate resilience, fisheries improvement, habitat restoration, and key infrastructure upgrades.
- Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): Announced 43 winners of the Capital Readiness Program grant competition.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): Released the AI Risk Management Framework and the draft update to the Cybersecurity Framework. NIST also established the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (USAISI).
- SelectUSA Investment Summit: The largest summit in its history, facilitating over $55 billion in investments supporting over 35,000 jobs.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: Launched pilot programs for semiconductor technology, climate change mitigation, and cancer-related technologies.
- International Trade Administration (ITA): Assisted over 92,000 U.S. business clients in exploring global markets, facilitating over $170 billion in U.S. export revenue and inward investment, supporting 595,000 American jobs.
- Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS): Imposed restrictions on Russia, updated export controls on advanced computing semiconductors, added 466 entities to the Entity List, completed a survey of the U.S. microelectronics supply chain, and launched the Disruptive Technology Strike Force with the Department of Justice.
These achievements reflect the Commerce Department’s commitment to addressing challenges and fostering economic growth in the United States.