Canada (affectionately known as “StatCan”) is the most highly regarded statistical agency in the world. StatCan offers a world class bench mark for independence, professionalism and transparency. A new independent Statistics USA might also fold in other government statistical units such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
on the first string of the President’s economic team. The newly constituted Department of Industry and Trade would include the existing National Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s a n d I n f o r m a t i o n Administration, the International Trade Administration, the Bureau of Industry, the Patent Office, and a rethought Economic Development Administration. It would have both domestic and international economic focus—a necessity in this globalized economy. To promote trade, the Secretary would overhaul and upgrade the US Commercial Service which currently has offices in 100 cities and overseas posts in 80 countries (usually housed in US embassies). In addition to promoting American exports, the commercial service would be charged with greater sharing of innovative ideas on business, technology and economic development, and would work cooperatively with US and foreign business schools to teach entrepreneurship and business skills to citizens in poorer communities at home and abroad. The trade negotiating authority of USTR (currently a stand alone office answering to the President) should be moved into the new department, adding influence to the Secretary and insulating trade negotiations from Presidential politics such as rewarding countries with Free Trade Agreements for supporting US foreign policy (a common practice under the Bush administration).
Like its space cousin NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) could easily become an independent agency run solely by professionals. NOAA includes the National Weather Service, the National Marine Fisheries (with its very cool website “FishWatch” that provides useful facts on seafood), the National Hurricane Center, and the All Hazards Monitor Service. NOAA is one of those government agencies whose services form a foundation for economic and social activity. Another Commerce office easy to spin off is the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Established in 1901, this office manages highly regarded and necessary labs that provide testing and standardization for A m e r i c a n i n d u s t r y, e s p e c i a l l y i n manufacturing and engineering. The remaining agencies in Commerce deal with the economy, but have had little national policy impact. When I worked there, I invited Laura Tyson, head of the Council of Economic Advisors, over to the Hoover Building to speak to my staff. They told me that it was the first time such a top economics official had ever visited the building. These economic agencies need to be streamlined, given a clearer mission, and placed in a new Cabinet level department called the US Department of Industry and Trade. Being appointed the Secretary of Industry and Trade would be a job worth having, and one for which the President would appoint a serious person. The new Secretary would be a player
The new Secretary of Industry and Trade would also become an influential player on industrial policy. A revived and modernized set of industry offices would provide the government with top flight analysis of major industries and emerging ones. The Secretary would have the staff expertise necessary to oversee a revamping of the auto industry, to cite a current pressing need, and to advise the President effectively on the state of other
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