US Chamber Urges Speedy Confirmation of USTR Nominee

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce urged Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and ranking member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., in a March 22 letter (here) to swiftly report U.S. trade representative nominee Robert Lighthizer out of committee for a Senate floor vote. “Mr. Lighthizer has led a distinguished career as a trade policy practitioner and has a reputation as a staunch advocate for American industry,” Chamber Executive Vice President and Head of International Affairs Myron Brilliant wrote in the letter. “The Chamber believes he will represent the nation’s interests well as he works with international partners and addresses trade challenges at the negotiating table and before the World Trade Organization.” A committee spokesman said the committee hasn’t scheduled a vote on whether to clear Lighthizer, but said the panel would announce it 48 hours in advance.