Members Present: Chairman McCain (R-AZ), Gorton (R-WA), Ashcroft (R-MO), Inouye (D-HI), Rockefeller (D-WV), Bryan (D-NV) and Cleland (D-GA)

Witnesses:  Senator Feinstein (D-CA), Senator Boxer (D-CA), Senator Inouye (D-HI), and Norman Y. Mineta, Secretary-Designate, U.S. Department of Commerce

Chairman McCain opened the hearing by congratulating Mr. Mineta on his nomination and asked him to introduce his family members.  Mr. Mineta served in the House for 20 years as a California representative of Silicon Valley, serving part of his tenure as Chairman of the then Public Works and Transportation Committee.  Currently he serves as Vice President of Special Business Initiatives at Lockheed Martin Corporation.  The Senate recently approved Mr. Mineta's nomination to serve on the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the President recently appointed him to chair the Advisory Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islanders.  As a young boy, Mr. Mineta and his family were among the Americans of Japanese ancestry forced into internment camps during World War II.  The Chairman hopes that Mr. Mineta continues the Commerce Secretary Daley's effort to clean up the Commerce Department's reputation as a "dumping ground" for the politically connected.  The Chairman and Mr. Mineta have discussed the recent alleged political nature of the Commerce Department trade missions.  The Chairman intends to move Mr. Mineta's nomination out of the Committee as soon as possible.

Senator Feinstein elaborated on Mr. Mineta's public service background stating that he is a problem-solver and demonstrates solid knowledge between people and business.  She strongly supports his nomination only wishing that it could have happened earlier in time.

Senator Boxer said that Mr. Mineta's nomination was a joyous occasion for all Asian Americans and all Americans, that she had served with Mr. Mineta in the House for 10 years and that he was able to bring together many diverse interests in his district.

Senator Inouye said that it was a privilege to join in the support of Mr. Mineta's nomination, that his life story was one of sadness and pain as well as success and glory.  Mr. Mineta chose to serve his country  and he believed he would make an outstanding member of the Cabinet.

Senators Bryan (D-NV) and Rockefeller (D-WV) stated their support for Mr. Mineta's nomination

Mr. Mineta said that it is a great honor and personal privilege to appear before the Senate Commerce Committee.  He said that he intends to continue Secretary Daley's commitment and partnership with the Committee in making the Commerce Department more efficient, effective and transparent in its operations.  He believes that accountability and accessibility are among the greatest responsibilities for public officials.  He advocates the importance of new markets, free and fair trade, research enabling the creation of advanced American products and services, e-commerce, a policy of digital inclusion to bring the digital divide and the best scientific data.  He plans to focus on four areas: 1) Keeping People in Business--means keeping the economy growing; 2) Investing in our Nation's Future--will continue to focus our best science on managing coastal and marine resources; also means making sure we have the technology and policies to fuel the new economy--across Commerce, intends to see work on R&D, technology diffusion and infrastructure modernization stays in higher gear and on track; 3) Continuing to Mainstream the New Economy--policies and programs must reach out to help individuals and businesses transform ahead of our global competitors; and 4) Accessible and Accountable Government-- continuing reforms and modernizations of the Department to better serve the American public.

Chairman McCain and Mr. Mineta discussed the importance of open skies agreements in Europe, Africa and Asia and that Mr. Mineta intends to continue the trade mission policy of transparency, making information available as well as protecting proprietary information.  Senator Rockefeller discussed the importance of the EPSCOR and EPSCOT programs and the digital divide issue.  Mr. Mineta stated that as a representative of Silicon Valley, he is acutely aware of the difference that the digital divide can have on someone's life, that he believes in digital inclusion and intends to work with the private sector and within the resources of DOC to this end.  Senator Ashcroft discussed the need for robust enforcement for trade agreements and Senator Cleland discussed the role of DOC in the near future of e-commerce.

Prepared by:  Relda Nacos, NIST, 975-3080.

REPORT REFLECTS AN INDIVIDUAL'S PERCEPTION OF WHAT TRANSPIRED DURING THE HEARING.  FOR OFFICIAL INFORMATION, CONSULT THE COMMITTEE REPORT.