WASHINGTON - United States Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick today announced the selection of David Spooner to be Special Textile Negotiator. In this position, Mr. Spooner will work with America's textile and apparel industries to expand their access to overseas markets and help the industries as they adjust for the future.

"David Spooner's experience on Capitol Hill and his knowledge of textile issues and textile communities provides USTR with an important and special perspective," Zoellick said. "His appointment should help us address the concerns of textile workers and the textile industry. I am particularly delighted that he brings to this post the background of working closely with Congresswoman Myrick, who has been a leader on these issues."

For the past four years, Mr. Spooner worked for Representative Sue Myrick (NC-09) both as the manager of her Washington office and as her legislative director. Throughout his tenure with Rep. Myrick, Mr. Spooner served as the Congresswoman's advisor on textile trade issues, as well as on other matters of importance to the textile industry, an industry with a prominent presence in North Carolina's Ninth Congressional District. For the past four years, Mr. Spooner also served as a joint employee with the House Committee on Rules. Prior to Representative Myrick, he worked as the Communications Director for the House Committee on Agriculture. He received his law degree from the College of William & Mary and his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia.

Mr. Spooner will be assisted by Caroyl Miller, who has worked on textile issues at USTR for over a decade.