Senate Confirms Portman as US Trade Representative

Senate Confirms Portman as US Trade Representative

Following a post-midnight debate, the US Senate confirmed by voice vote Congressman Rob Portman (R-Ohio) as the US Trade Representative on Friday (April 29). The vote had been temporarily stalled when Senator Evan Bayh (D-Indiana) demanded a vote on allowing the US to apply anti-subsidy laws against China and other non-market economies. The Senator later acquiesced when Portman personally pledged to get tough on China’s trade and examine their subsidy practices. Portman pledged to continue working closely with Congress on “opening markets to expand freedom and reduce poverty.” He also called upon his fellow lawmakers to join him in amplifying “efforts to enforce international trade agreements and US trade laws.” Portman asserted his commitment to seeing that Congress approves the so-called Central American and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement. Portman is also expected to make sure that the Doha talks to lower trade barriers proceed smoothly. Reaction to Portman’s appointment has been by and large, positively received. “We are highly encouraged by the confirmation of Rob Portman,” reads a statement from the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA). He also got the endorsement of American Wire Producers Association (AWPA) for his free trade voting record. On the other side of the Atlantic, European Commissioner for Trade Peter Mandelson said he was “pleased” Portman had been confirmed by Congress. Portman, a former international trade lawyer, recently began his seventh term in Congress this year representing his district in southwest Ohio. Known for his deep connections and close ties to the Bush Administration, Portman has overseen the passage of several key bills. Among them: an overhaul of the Internal Revenue Service, a reform of the pension law, and an anti-drug program.