WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: KATHERINE TAI IS AN EXPERIENCED TRAILBLAZER WHO DESERVES SWIFT CONFIRMATION
WASHINGTON – Ambassador-Designate Katherine Tai today received widespread, bipartisan praise during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee to be United States Trade Representative. Senators touted her experience and acknowledged her historic nomination as the first woman of color to lead the agency, while lauding Tai’s commitment to pursue trade policies that will benefit all Americans.
During the hearing Ambassador-designate Tai detailed her commitment re-engaging international institutions to address common threats like climate change, the COVID pandemic, and the global economic downturn. She demonstrated a shrewd ability to navigate complex issues and reiterated her strong commitment to working with Congress, and the entire Biden-Harris administration, to help American communities emerge from the crisis into greater prosperity.
Here is what they are saying about Tai’s hearing:
Sen. Ron Wyden: It was clear at today's @SenateFinance hearing that there is strong, bipartisan respect for Katherine Tai’s deep commitment to trade policies that put American workers first. I look forward to her swift confirmation so she can get to work. Her experience and know-how make her the right choice to be the next USTR. #ConfirmKatherineTai [Tweet, Tweet, 2/25/21]
Sen. Mike Crapo: “President Biden has nominated someone with extensive trade policy experience, including experience litigating major trade disputes against China. [Opening Statement, 2/25/21]
Rep. Richard Neal: It’s not every day you have the opportunity to introduce a key member of your staff at their confirmation hearing for the top job in their field. Katherine is a trailblazer, and without a doubt, the best choice to fill this critical position as @USTradeRep. [Tweet, 2/25/21]
Rep. Kevin Brady: Trade is a bipartisan priority & our policies are only successful when there is a true partnership between the executive branch and Congress. That’s why today, I was proud to support Katherine Tai, a member of the Ways and Means family, to be our next U.S. Trade Representative. [Tweet, 2/25/21]
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici: I’ve worked closely with Katherine Tai, and I was eager to recommend her to @POTUS for the position of USTR. She will be a skilled leader who will work on trade that benefits the economy, workers, the environment, and our country. [Tweet, 2/25/21]
Sen. Tom Carper: Katherine Tai’s expertise and experience has earned the respect of Republicans and Democrats alike. As @USTradeRep I know she will be a champion for American workers, farmers and manufacturers as she implements @POTUS' #BuildBackBetter agenda. I strongly support her confirmation. [Tweet, 2/25/21]
Rep. Judy Chu: Katherine Tai's bipartisan support is a testament to her talent and hard work. I've been proud to work with Katherine to strengthen our trade agreements, protect workers, & help grow our economy. I know that as the new US Trade Representative, she will serve us well. [Tweet, 2/25/21]
Rep. Ron Kind: I'm excited to keep working with Katherine Tai as our next @USTradeRep. She is the best candidate to get our trade agenda back on track and will work with our friends, neighbors, and allies to build a rules based global trading order for all and hold those accountable who don't keep up their end of the deal--including China. [Tweet, Tweet, 2/25/21]
Sen. Bob Menendez: Katherine Tai’s experience and deep understanding of trade policy will be a crucial part of the Biden Admin’s effort to build back better and reassert U.S. leadership on a global stage. I enthusiastically support her nomination for USTR as it moves to the full Senate for a vote. [Tweet, 2/25/21]
Sen. Debbie Stabenow: We need to export our products not our jobs. That’s why I’m supporting Katherine Tai to be our US Trade Representative. Her experience will help MI workers, businesses & farmers succeed. She’ll also level the playing field & hold countries accountable that violate our trade laws. [Tweet, 2/25/21]
AFL-CIO: In introducing USTR nominee Tai @RonWyden says "America’s trade policy needs to be stronger and smarter and that requires a savvy leader, someone who knows what working people are going through" @AFLCIO working people are proud to support Katherine Tai! [Tweet, 2/25/21]
National Cattleman’s Beef Association: NCBA completely supports Tai's nomination to @USTradeRep and looks forward to working with her and her team moving forward. [Tweet, 2/25/21]
National Foreign Trade Council President Rufus Yerxa: “I want to congratulate Katherine Tai on her nomination and I urge Congress to move swiftly to confirm her. I was encouraged by the priorities she set forward during today’s hearing and especially appreciate the emphasis placed on working closely with our allies on the challenges facing the WTO and ensuring that our trade policy works for all Americans." [Statement, 2/25/21]
New Dem Coalition: #NewDem Members look forward to working with Katherine Tai when she gets confirmed. There is a lot to do to restore American global leadership after four years of the past administration and we stand ready to partner with @USTradeRep under Katherine's leadership. [Tweet, 2/25/21]
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