Statement of Senator Feinstein on the Nomination of Norman Mineta to be U.S. Commerce Secretary
June 29, 2000

“Without a doubt, President Clinton made the best possible choice today in selecting Norman Mineta to be the next U.S. Secretary of Commerce. I have known Norman for many years and he is an outstanding nominee for this important post.

Norman Mineta is a true hero and embodies what the American dream is all about -- He will serve our nation with distinction as Secretary of Commerce. Forced to live in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, Norman went on to serve in the U.S. Army as an intelligence officer during the Korean War. He was the first Asian American to be elected mayor of major U.S. city, and represented the San Jose area for over 21 years in Congress, becoming the first Asian American to chair a Congressional Committee when he served as Chairman of the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation.

Norman Mineta brings tremendous skills and qualifications to this post. As Silicon Valley’s representative in Congress, Norman championed policies to foster tremendous economic growth through increased research and development and a decrease in trade barriers.