Department of Commerce

U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Santos began serving as the first Latino to head the federal government's largest statistical agency in January.

National

U.S. census director says the bureau needs to reduce chances of meddling after Trump

8:54pm February 21, 2022

by Hansi Lo Wang

Newly sworn-in Census Bureau Director Robert Santos told NPR it's important to make sure there are policies in place to better protect the agency from any future political interference.

Homes leveled by the Camp Fire line Valley Ridge Drive in Paradise, Calif. Some recovery efforts are stalled by the government shutdown, creating anxiety among survivors and concern for officials.

Shutdown Threatens To Stall Recovery In Wildfire-Ravaged Paradise, Calif.

5:02am January 17, 2019

by Kirk Siegler

A federal grant for basic infrastructure projects is stalled. There is concern that, if fire survivors don't see evidence that recovery has begun, they could give up hope and leave the region.

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Economy

What North Carolina Was Willing To Offer To Lure Toyota-Mazda Plant To State

2:53pm February 06, 2018

by Sean Bueter

The Department of Commerce released documents on the Toyota-Mazda courtship after receiving a public records request.

Billionaire investor Wilbur Ross Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's pick for commerce secretary, is one of the wealthiest members of Trump's cabinet.

Wilbur Ross: The Best Commerce Secretary Pick Dems Could Hope For?

5:09pm December 14, 2016

by Chris Arnold

He's a billionaire respected by organized labor and Trump's pick for secretary of commerce. But Wilbur Ross Jr. still has left-wing critics who see him as a vulture capitalist.

Wilbur Ross, the president-elect's choice for commerce secretary, tips a "Make America Great Again" cap in the lobby of Trump Tower on Tuesday.

Trump Taps Billionaire Investor Wilbur Ross For Commerce Secretary

1:22pm November 30, 2016

by Jim Zarroli

Wilbur Ross Jr. is a donor and longtime associate of Trump's. Ross has grown rich by buying troubled companies and restructuring them with layoffs and budget cuts.