Washington, DC (June 19, 2009) – Dr. Blank met with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard during a working lunch devoted to socioeconomic issues. The Deputy Prime Minster is deputy head of the Australian government and carries the cabinet responsibility for education, employment, workplace relations and social inclusion. Under Secretary Blank attended to offer her expertise to the discussion on social policy responses to poverty and social inclusion.

WASHINGTON (May 19, 2009)—Rebecca Blank, Ph.D, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate last Thursday as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs. As the Economic Advisor to the Secretary of Commerce, and head of the Economic and Statistics Administration (ESA), Dr. Blank will also have management responsibility for the two top statistical agencies in the United States, the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).

Dr. Blank's Statement

Dr. Blank's Biography

White House Press Release on Nomination