Wyden Praises Confirmation of Jayme White as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, Lily Batchelder as Assistant Secretary of Treasury for Tax Policy

Wyden Announces Sally Laing to Serve as Chief International Trade Counsel

Washington, D.C. – Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today praised the bipartisan confirmation of Jayme White as deputy U.S. Trade Representative and Lily Batchelder as assistant secretary of Treasury for tax policy.

White, who previously served as chief advisor on international competitiveness and innovation for the Senate Committee on Finance, was confirmed 80-18.

“Jayme knows the formula to getting trade done right. It’s about fighting for trade rules that will raise the bar for worker rights and environmental protection while bulldozing barriers to the products and services we produce here in America,” Wyden said. “It’s about vigorously and relentlessly enforcing the trade rules on the books, so that trade cheats cannot rip off American jobs and innovations. And it’s about maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the process. Although I’ll be very sorry to lose him after 12 years on my staff, I know there are big things ahead for Jayme, and I know he’s an excellent choice for this job.”

Batchelder previously served as a professor of law at New York University, deputy director of the White House National Economic Council under President Obama and majority chief tax counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance. She was confirmed 64-34.

“There’s no one better for this position than Lily,” Wyden said. “I’ve known Lily for a long time. She’s whip smart and knows more than just about anyone about how tax policy is crafted and implemented. She will excel in this role and I’m so looking forward to working with her at the Treasury Department.”

The Finance Committee has now reported 13 nominees out of committee, and seen 9 nominees confirmed by the full Senate.

Following White’s confirmation, Wyden announced that Sally Laing will now serve as chief international trade counsel for the Senate Finance Committee, with oversight of USTR, Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Commerce on trade issues. Laing previously served as senior international trade counsel for the Finance Committee and assistant general counsel at USTR.

“Sally has a deep well of experience on the front lines of international trade and the political savvy and tenacity to get things done,” Wyden said. “I’m certain Sally will ensure workers in Oregon and across the U.S. are at the forefront of American trade policy. We’re fortunate to have Sally ready to step in and lead the Finance Committee’s work on international trade.”

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