In announcing the appointment at the White House, Obama said Bryson “understands what it takes for America to succeed in a 21st century global economy.’’
“John will be an important part of my economic team, working with the business community, fostering growth,’’ Obama said, “and helping open up new markets abroad to promote jobs and opportunities here at home.’’
The nomination requires Senate approval. If confirmed, Bryson will be pushing the administration’s goal to promote export-driven economic growth. Obama has been aggressively courting corporate America over the past year, naming former commerce secretary and J.P. Morgan banker William Daley as his chief of staff.
In a statement after the announcement, US Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive Thomas J. Donohue said his group “looks forward to working with Secretary-nominee John Bryson to fulfill the department’s mission of creating jobs, enhancing US competitiveness, and spurring American innovation.
“With his extensive knowledge of the private sector and years of experience successfully running a major company, we hope Mr. Bryson will be a strong voice for American businesses,’’ Donohue said.
Bryson could also lend a hand in furthering Obama’s new energy agenda, which includes rolling back tax subsidies for oil companies and investing in alternative forms of energy.
Bryson, an advocate of nuclear energy, has served on the board of the industry’s policy group, the Nuclear Energy Institute. Southern California Edison operates the San Onofre nuclear plant in San Diego. His environmental activism could generate opposition among some Republicans.
Senate Republicans have resisted approving Obama’s nominees and have demanded that the president submit free trade agreements with Korea, Panama, and Colombia for approval. In a March letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada, Republicans demanded that the president submit the trade pacts before they vote on nominees. “We will use all the tools at our disposal to force action, including withholding support for any nominee for Commerce Secretary and any trade-related nominees,’’ the letter said.
Bryson’s resume includes serving as president of the Public Policy Institute of California and chairing the boards of BrightSource Energy and the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.
