JOHNSON OPENING STATEMENT AT KUMAR NOMINATION HEARING
WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Johnson (D-SD) held a nomination hearing for the consideration of Arun M. Kumar to be Assistant Secretary and Director General of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce. A vote on the nominee will be scheduled for a later date.
Below is Chairman Johnson’s statement as prepared for delivery:
“I call this hearing to order.
“Good Morning. Today we consider Mr. Arun Kumar to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service.
“Although the title of this position is complicated and long, the mission is simple: to create jobs.
“Despite global economic strain, U.S. exports hit a record-high of $2.2 trillion in 2012, and supported 9.8 million jobs. We must continue this trend.
“If confirmed, Mr. Kumar will head the Global Markets unit of the Commerce Department. This unit advances U.S. commercial interests overseas and attracts foreign investment into the U.S. Exports and inward foreign investment bring fresh capital to our shores and lead directly to more jobs here at home. In South Dakota, the Commercial Service—led by Cinnamon King—does a great job on behalf of businesses and workers in my state.
“As is clear from his resume, Mr. Kumar has the experience to excel in this position. While at the professional services firm KPMG, he founded the U.S. – India practice to help domestic companies enter the Indian market and to attract Indian investment into the U.S. He has had extensive experience working with businesses in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. As a founder of three Silicon Valley companies, he has first-hand knowledge on what it takes to create new jobs.
“Mr. Kumar is very well-qualified for this position and I look forward to hearing his testimony today.”
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