WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) today voted to confirm Robert Lighthizer to serve as the U.S. Trade Representative. Brown and Portman introduced Lighthizer at his hearing before the Senate Finance Committee earlier this year, and worked to move his confirmation through the Finance Committee and full Senate.
Lighthizer will play a key role in forming U.S. trade policy and representing the U.S. in cases against foreign countries who cheat trade laws. Brown and Portman have pledged to work with Lighthizer if confirmed to help boost Ohio’s steel industry.
“I just talked with Bob and I know he’s ready to get to work building a new trade policy that puts American workers first. Bob knows our steel industry, knows the importance of our manufacturing sector, and knows our failed trade policy has left Ohio workers behind,” said Brown, who called Lighthizer shortly after the vote. “I’ve vowed to work with President Trump’s administration to chart a new trade agenda, and I’ve sent the President my ideas. I look forward to working closely with Bob to get to work delivering results for Ohio.”
“As a former United States Trade Representative, I know that this position is essential to our efforts to level the playing field for American workers and to ensure that we have open markets abroad to grow jobs here at home,” said Portman. “Mr. Lighthizer is well-equipped for the task. I’m confident that he will work to protect American workers from foreign trade cheats and I look forward to seeing him succeed as our next Trade Representative.”
Brown and Portman have worked to give domestic industries the ability to fight unfair trade practices. In June 2015, the Leveling the Playing Field Act, introduced by Brown and cosponsored by Portman, was signed into law, ushering in the most significant changes to trade remedy law since 2002.
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