General Policy and Analysis

▸ Agencies

Census Bureau(Commerce Dept.), Economic Programs,4600 Silver Hill Rd., #8H132, Suitland, MD 20746 (mailing address: U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC 20233-6000); (301) 763-8842. Fax, (301) 763-8150.

William G. Bostic Jr., Associate Director.

Web, http://www.census.gov/econ/

Compiles comprehensive statistics on the level and structure of U.S. economic activity and the characteristics of industrial and business establishments at the national, state, and local levels; collects and publishes foreign trade statistics.

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Commerce Dept.,1401 Constitution Ave. N.W. 20230; (202) 482-2000. Fax, (202) 482-5168. Rebecca M. Blank, Secretary, Acting (202) 482-2112. Press, (202) 482-4883. Library, (202) 482-1154.

Web, http://www.commerce.gov

Acts as a principal adviser to the president on federal policy affecting industry and commerce; promotes job creation, national economic growth and development, competitiveness, international trade, and technological development; provides business and government with economic statistics, research, and analysis; encourages minority business; promotes tourism.

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Commerce Dept.,Business Liaison,1401 Constitution Ave. N.W., #5062 20230; (202) 482-1360. Fax, (202) 482-4054. MatthewT.McGuire, Director.

General email, businessassistance@business.usa.gov

Web, http://www.doc.gov/obl

Serves as the federal government's central office for business assistance. Handles requests for information and services as well as complaints and suggestions from businesses; provides a forum for businesses to comment on federal regulations; initiates meetings on policy issues with industry groups, business organizations, trade and small-business associations, and the corporate community.

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Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC),Economic Analysis,4330 East-West Hwy, Bethesda, MD 20814; (301) 504-7705. Fax, (301) 504-0109. Gregory B. Rodgers, Associate Executive Director, (301) 504-7702.

Web, http://www.cpsc.gov/about/offices.html

Conducts studies to determine the impact of CPSC's regulations on consumers, the economy, industry, and production. Studies the potential environmental effects of commission actions.

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Council of Economic Advisers(Executive Office of the President),725 17th St. N.W. 20502; (202) 395-5042. Fax, (202) 395-6958. Alan B. Krueger, Chair; David P. Vandivier, Chief of Staff.

Web, http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/cea

Advisory body consisting of three members and supporting staff of economists. Monitors and analyzes the economy and advises the president on economic developments, trends, and policies and on the economic implications of other policy initiatives. Prepares the annual Economic Report of the President for Congress. Assesses economic implications of international policy.

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Economics and Statistics Administration(Commerce Dept.),1401 Constitution Ave. N.W., #4848 20230; (202) 482-3727. Fax, (202) 482-0432. Rebecca M. Blank, Deputy Secretary.

General email, esa@doc.gov

Web, http://www.esa.doc.gov

Advises the secretary on economic policy matters, including consumer and capital spending, inventory status, and the short- and long-term outlook in output and unemployment. Seeks to improve economic productivity and growth. Serves as departmental liaison with the Council of Economic Advisers and other government agencies concerned with economic policy. Supervises and sets policy for the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

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Federal Deposit Insurance Corps (FDIC),Complex Financial Institutions,550 17th St. N.W., #F-7076 20429; (202) 898-6993. James Wigand, Director.

Web, http://www.fdic.gov

Reviews and oversees large bank holding companies and nonbank financial companies designated as systemically important by the Financial Stability Oversight Council. Implements orderly liquidations of such companies that fail.

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Federal Reserve System,Board of Governors,20th St. and Constitution Ave., N.W. 20551; (202) 452-3000. Fax, (202) 452-3819. Ben S. Bernanke, Chair; Janet L. Yellen, Vice Chair. Information, (202) 452-3204. Public Affairs, (202) 452-2955. Congressional Liaison, (202) 452-3003. Publications, (202) 452-3245.

Web, http://www.federalreserve.gov

Sets U.S. monetary policy. Supervises the Federal Reserve System and influences credit conditions through the buying and selling of Treasury securities in the open market, by fixing the amount of reserves depository institutions must maintain, and by determining discount rates.

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