NFTC Presses Quick Confirmation for USTR Nominee

National Foreign Trade Council President Rufus Yerxa in a Feb. 23 letter urged Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, to undertake a speedy confirmation process for U.S. Trade Representative nominee Robert Lighthizer, to ensure the smooth functioning of U.S. trade policy and fulfillment of congressional trade mandates. “Without a strong leader at USTR, one who is able to attract a good team of Deputies and gain the respect of Cabinet peers, Congressional leaders and foreign governments, American leadership in world trade and the institutions related thereto will begin to erode,” Yerxa said. “We recognize that your committee must have an opportunity to fully examine the qualifications and record of any nominee for this important position. However, we urge you to move as expeditiously as possible.” Yerxa highlighted Lighthizer’s previous service as a trade practitioner, deputy USTR under President Ronald Reagan and Senate Finance staff director, saying the nominee has the “qualifications and experience to be a highly successful USTR.” Senate Finance didn’t comment.