By Jim Tankersley
Commerce Secretary John Bryson has resigned, citing the effects of a seizure he suffered while driving earlier this month. President Obama, who will meet later Thursday with Bryson at the White House, said, "I want to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to John for his service over the past months, and wish him and his family the very best."
Bryson went on medical leave after the traffic incident in San Diego after which officials said he had suffered a seizure.
In a resignation letter late Wednesday to Obama, Bryson said, “I have concluded that the seizure I suffered on June 9th could be a distraction from my performance as secretary and that our country would be better served by a change in leadership of the department."
Obama said: "As secretary, John fought tirelessly for our nation’s businesses and workers, helping to bolster our exports and promote American manufacturing and products at home and abroad. John has proven himself an effective and distinguished leader throughout his career in both the public and private sectors, from his success in the business world to his work leading on issues in the renewable energy industry."
Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank is serving as acting secretary. Obama said he was confident Blank "will serve the American people well as acting secretary."
NOUN:
1. A sudden attack, spasm, or convulsion, as in epilepsy or another disorder.
2. Nickname given to what happens when you drink two bottles of Jack Daniels within 12 hours
“Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank is serving as acting secretary. Obama said he was confident Blank “will serve the American people well as acting secretary.”
She’s another “social justice” advocate:
Blank is the author of numerous books and articles that focus on the interaction between the macro economy, the labor market, government social policy programs, and the behavior and well-being of low-income families. Her 1997 book, It Takes A Nation: A New Agenda for Fighting Poverty (Princeton University Press) won the Richard A. Lester Award for the Outstanding Book in Labor Economics and Industrial Relations. Among her other recent books are Changing Inequality (University of California Press, 2011), Insufficient Funds: Savings, Assets, Credit, and Banking Among Low-Income Families (joint with Michael Barr, Russell Sage Press, 2009), and Is the Market Moral? (Joint with William McGurn, Brookings Press, 2004.) She is the author of over 100 articles in books and academic journals.[8]