WASHINGTON, D.C.—I want to welcome and congratulate the three nominees who are appearing before the Commerce Committee today.  I value your commitment to public service and look forward to a speedy confirmation process for each of you.

I will start today with Jon Leibowitz who has been nominated to serve a second term as a Commissioner and Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

During his seven-year term as a Commissioner, and during the past three years as Chairman, Mr. Leibowitz has shown that he understands the vital role of the FTC as the nation's premiere consumer protection body.  Under his leadership, the FTC has used its enforcement and rulemaking authorities to improve financial protections for consumers who are at risk from scams and frauds, develop important proposals to modify FTC rules on children's privacy protection, and lead the way in contemplating new privacy and data security frameworks in an ever evolving online and mobile world.  I appreciate your hard work and look forward to your continuing service at the FTC.

Ms. Maureen Ohlhausen has also been nominated to serve as a Commissioner at the FTC.  She comes to the position with many years of experience in privacy, data security, and cybersecurity law.  She also comes with a strong understanding and appreciation of the institution, having served on the staff of the FTC for many years.  I am confident that she will continue the long bipartisan tradition that is one of the hallmarks of the Commission.

Ms. Rebecca Blank has been nominated to serve as Deputy Secretary of Commerce.  We just confirmed the Secretary of Commerce late last month and I am pleased that, with this nomination, the leadership at the Department will be set.  Ms. Blank has had a distinguished career in economics.  Over the past three years, she has served in a variety of positions at the Department, including service as Acting Deputy Secretary and Acting Secretary of the Department.  She has performed those duties admirably, and I believe she is a strong pick for Deputy Secretary.

The two agencies that these nominees seek to lead are vital to our country and our economy and we need highly qualified professionals to take on these positions.  I am pleased to support each of these individuals.  I hope that the confirmation process will move as quickly as possible and get all of you to work.

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