July 22,2025

Crapo Statement at Executive Session to Consider USTR, Treasury Nominations

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at an executive session to consider the nominations of Joseph Barloon to be a Deputy United States Trade Representative (USTR) and Brian Morrissey, Jr. to be General Counsel for the Department of the Treasury.

 

As prepared for delivery:

 

“We meet today to consider favorably reporting the nominations of Joe Barloon, who is nominated to serve as Deputy USTR and Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Brian Morrissey, who is nominated to serve as the General Counsel of the Treasury Department.

 

“The meeting this morning will provide members with the opportunity to make remarks on the nominees. Following statements, we will recess briefly then proceed to our nominations hearing this morning. Later today, we will notify members of the time and location of the vote on Mr. Barloon and Mr. Morrissey.

 

“During his hearing, Mr. Barloon discussed his plan to work in good faith with WTO Members to advance the interests of the United States. Importantly, based on his prior tenure as General Counsel to the U.S. Trade Representative, Mr. Barloon understands the critical role the WTO plays in ensuring market access for our farmers and businesses of all types. If confirmed, Mr. Barloon will work to restore U.S. leadership at the WTO.

 

“Building on prior Treasury Department experience, Mr. Morrissey is well-suited to provide critical legal and policy advice to the Secretary and other senior Department officials. He is exceptionally qualified for the position, and his nomination received bipartisan support from Treasury General Counsels dating back to 1977. I was encouraged to hear that he will prioritize a close working relationship with Congress to ensure that the Department effectively implements all laws Congress sends to it.

 

“I will vote in favor of both nominations and I encourage all of my colleagues on the Committee to do the same.”