September 03,2009

Baucus Statement Regarding the President's Nomination of Michael Punke as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) issued the following statement today following President Obama’s nomination of Michael Punke as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Deputy USTR-designate Punke is a former international trade counsel to Senator Baucus.

From Chairman Baucus:

“I applaud the President’s decision to nominate Michael Punke to be Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and head of the U.S. mission to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva. Michael has a long and distinguished career as a trade lawyer and policymaker and I know he has the experience, ability and determination to advance our interests in the WTO Doha Round negotiations. An ambitious conclusion to the Doha Round would open markets for U.S. farmers, ranchers, workers and entrepreneurs, and provide a real boost to our economy at a time when we sorely need it. Michael is the right person to achieve that result.”

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