Baucus Says Kirk Right Candidate to Build Consensus, Open Trade

Senate Finance Committee holds confirmation hearing for President’s top trade negotiator

Washington, D.C. – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) in a hearing today again expressed his support for Mayor Ron Kirk, President Barack Obama’s nominee to become United States Trade Representative (USTR). Baucus said Mayor Kirk has the skills and vision to restore and enhance America’s consensus on international trade, while removing trade barriers, enforcing trade agreements, and opening new markets for American exports.

“Mayor Kirk was very clear about his priorities as USTR, and I was impressed with his ideas, ambition,and energy,” Baucus said. “I think he is right to focus on building broad and durable support for international trade, in addition to pursuing trade agreements. Strong support for trade at home will quickly translate into aggressive action to break down trade barriers and negotiate new market access for American exports around the world.”

The Office of the United States Trade Representative is part of the Executive Office of the President.With the consent of and in close consultation with the Senate Finance Committee, the USTR acts as the President’s top trade negotiator and enforcer of international trade agreements.

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