Washington, D.C. - Today, members of the New Democrat Coalition Leadership met with Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to discuss shared priorities for economic growth, job creation, innovation and global competitiveness. New Dem Chair Representative Joseph Crowley (NY-07), and Vice-Chairs Representative Melissa Bean (IL-08), Representative Ron Kind (WI-03), Representative Allyson Schwartz (PA-13), and Representative Adam Smith (WA-09), took the opportunity today to discuss the upcoming Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and opportunities for working together in the future to improve the competitiveness of American businesses and workers.

"The New Dems share Secretary Locke and the Administration's commitment to getting Americans back to work and promoting policies that foster economic growth," said Representative Joseph Crowley (NY-07), Chair of the New Dems. "Today's discussion with Secretary Locke was focused on the ways the New Dems can work with the Commerce Department and the Administration to promote exports, expand business opportunities for U.S. small businesses abroad, and create jobs for U.S. workers. These programs can serve as a critical boost for our economy and ensure the United States stays a step ahead by maintaining our place as the most innovative and competitive nation in the world."

"The economy is now headed in the right direction, but more needs to be done to put people back to work," Commerce Secretary Locke said. "Finding a path to sustainable economic growth means doing more to promote exports and foster innovation within our economy. Work being done by the New Democrats will help get us there."

Pictured (Left to Right): Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03); Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-07); Commerce Secretary Gary Locke; Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (PA-13); Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09). Not pictured: Congresswoman Melissa Bean (IL-08). (High resolution photo available upon request).

The New Democrat Coalition is a Coalition of 68 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who are dedicated to the prosperity and security of American families and business. Founded in 1997, the NDC provides Members of Congress with the opportunity to advance a common sense policy agenda focused on empowering the U.S. to grow economically and maintain a vibrant job market, preserving the U.S. standing as the world's leader in innovation and technological advancement, and strengthening our economic and national security. For more information, visit the New Dems website at http://ndc.crowley.house.gov.

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Released 11/4/2009