President Obama nominated businessman and environmentalist John Bryson to become his next secretary of commerce. Bryson is a
former CEO and chairman of Edison International, a California-based energy company, and a co-founder of the National Resources Defense Council. His unique résumé and experience as a board member at Boeing and Disney signal the president’s continuing intention to improve ties with business leaders. “Doubling our nation’s exports,” Obama said, is one of Bryson’s goals.
Republicans threaten to block Bryson’s confirmation unless Obama submits pending trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea to Congress for approval.