The U.S. Senate last night confirmed the nomination of Representative Rob Portman (R-OH) as the U.S. Trade Representative. Once he is sworn in, Rep. Portman will officially replace Robert Zoellick, who has moved on to become the Deputy Secretary of State.
The Senate’s confirmation was by voice vote, indicating that Rep. Portman’s nomination had widespread approval and was generally considered noncontroversial even though, as we noted in our April 21 ALERT, the hearings on his nomination by the Senate Finance Committee was used as an occasion to debate the Administration’s trade policy, particularly with regard to China-related issues. As we noted in that earlier ALERT, Rep. Portman testified that the U.S. needs to take a “tougher approach” to China, and that if confirmed as USTR, he would order “an immediate top to bottom review” of the various trade complaints against that country.
It is widely expected that as USTR, Rep. Portman will continue, and even expand the Bush Administration’s aggressive program of trade negotiations.
We will keep members advised as developments unfold.
