Let me close on this. Last year, you had a number of concerns I promised to address. I said I would reduce the number of political positions by 100. We have done that. I said we would address long-standing security issues. We have done that, cutting the number of clearances by more than a third -- with more to come. I said we would reform the Advanced Technology Program and the Minority Business Development Administration. We have made progress in those areas, too.

And last year, you asked me many questions regarding trade missions. One year later, after putting new guidelines in place, after visiting 21 countries, I can say this: when the American government stands behind our businesses, we have a tremendous impact. Last year's trade missions alone brought billions of dollars in new business to American firms and workers.

It has been a productive year that would not have been possible without your support. I thank you, and I look forward to an even more successful year ahead.

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