Hatch Statement on Meeting with USTR Nominee Robert Lighthizer
Utah Senator says, “I expect Bob to play a significant role in protecting our intellectual property rights abroad, increasing new market access for American-made products and services, and providing American industry the opportunity to compete in the 21st century global economy.“
WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) met with the nominee to serve as United States Trade Representative (USTR), Robert Lighthizer, and issued the following statement:
“Armed with tools like Trade Promotion Authority, the incoming administration has an opportunity to negotiate new trade pacts of the highest caliber and establish a strong trade agenda that promotes U.S. commercial interests. Through his experience and unique understanding of international trade, I expect Bob to play a significant role in protecting our intellectual property rights abroad, increasing new market access for American-made products and services, and providing American industry the opportunity to compete in the 21st century global economy. I look forward to continuing to examine his record as the Committee’s bipartisan vetting process commences.”
Background: The U.S. Senate, as is its role under the Constitution, carefully, thoroughly and fairly vets and scrutinizes the President’s nominees. Each nominee that moves through the Senate Finance Committee will undergo the same bipartisan vetting process as the nominees from previous administrations. Traditionally, each nominee is required to submit a questionnaire as well as full copies of their tax returns to the Committee for review. Once the internal vetting process is completed, the Finance Committee will schedule a date for a confirmation hearing. The Senate Finance Committee recognizes the need for a seamless transition between administrations and will act in a swift and thorough manner to clear the nominees in the Committee to ensure a timely consideration by the full Senate.
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