As a follow-up to the Counsel’s Report ALERT dated January 6, President Bush formally nominated Ambassador Robert Zoellick as Deputy Secretary of State. Ambassador Zoellick is currently the U.S. Trade Representative. If confirmed, Ambassador Zoellick would be the number two person at the State Department under Condoleezza Rice. (Ambassador Zoellick’s nomination is all but assured to be confirmed by the Senate since he is a very well known figure in government circles and very highly regarded by most. Ms. Rice’s confirmation hearings are scheduled to begin on January 18, and she is also widely expected to be confirmed as Secretary of State with little opposition.)
In a town where upward mobility is often viewed as the coin of the realm, Ambassador Zoellick’s move is highly unusual, since he will be switching from a Cabinet-level post to a sub-Cabinet level position. However, Ambassador Zoellick has long ties with Ms. Rice and with the Bush family, and this move could reflect the President’s desire to have close allies in place at key foreign policy posts across the Executive Branch. Ambassador Zoellick is typically regarded as a classic “internationalist,” as reflected in his ambitious program of trade agreements. The switch to the State Department may presage a more diplomatic-oriented approach toward major foreign policy issues during the second Bush Administration. The effect on trade policy is unclear at this point, and will depend on such factors as the Ambassador’s successor as USTR and whether Ambassador Zoellick will look to influence the development and execution of trade policy from his State Department position.
Among the names being tossed around this morning as possible replacements for Ambassador Zoellick at USTR are Josette Shiner, Ambassador Zoellick’s current deputy; Gary Edson, former deputy national security adviser for international economic affairs; and Grant Aldonas, currently undersecretary of commerce for international trade.
We will continue to follow developments and keep Members advised.
