Bryson is Obama's pick to lead Commerce

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama has tapped energy executive John Bryson to lead the Commerce Department, putting a businessman at the helm of an agency tasked with boosting U.S. exports and promoting American business around the world.

During a White House ceremony yesterday announcing the appointment, Obama lauded Bryson as "a business leader who understands what it takes to innovate, create jobs and to persevere through tough times."

"As commerce secretary, his job is going to be an important part of my economic team promoting American business and American products around the globe," he said.

Bryson, 67, is a former chairman and chief executive of Edison International, a California-based energy company. He also has an extensive background in environmental issues, having co-founded the Natural Resources Defense Council and served on a UN advisory group on energy and climate change.

The announcement shifts Obama's focus back to the economy after several weeks dominated by foreign policy, from the death of Osama bin Laden to the president's four-country, six-day European trip.

If confirmed by the Senate, Bryson would replace outgoing Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, whom Obama has named as his next ambassador to China. But Republicans have threatened to block any commerce secretary nominee until the administration submits proposed free trade agreements with Colombia and Panama to Congress for final approval.