March 17,2005

Grassley, Baucus on the Nomination of U.S. Trade Representative

M E M O R A N D U M

To: Reporters and Editors
Re: Nomination of United States Trade Representative
Da: Thursday, March 17, 2005

Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, and Sen. Max Baucus, ranking member, today made the following statements on today’s announcement of the nomination of Rep. Rob Portman to be United States Trade Representative. The Finance Committee is responsible forinternational trade legislation in the Senate and whether to recommend the President’s nominationfor this position to the full Senate for confirmation.

Grassley said: “Rob Portman is a talented leader. He knows Congress and has experience as an international trade lawyer. In our work together on the IRS restructuring commission and pension policy, I’ve found Congressman Portman to be a skilled negotiator focused on results. The job of U.S. trade representative requires an ability to solve problems and bridge differences. Our economy needs a trade representative who can continue opening up new job-creating, export opportunities for farmers and workers in manufacturing, the service industries, and all other fields.I look forward to reviewing Congressman Portman’s nomination in the Finance Committee. I planto schedule a nomination hearing as soon as possible after receiving and reviewing the appropriatepaperwork.”

Baucus said: “I applaud the President on his choice for the next USTR. Rob Portman is well liked and well respected for his intelligence, experience, and willingness to work with both sides of the aisle to get things done. I have worked well with Rob over the years, and I look forward to working with him more closely on the international trade agenda.”