WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate today confirmed Robert Lighthizer, who worked under President Ronald Reagan as a trade official, as the President Donald Trump’s U.S. Trade Representative.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst issued a statement on the confirmation, saying “With Iowa leading the nation in pork, corn, egg, and soybean production, establishing new and aggressive trade agreements, along with strengthening existing relationships, is critical for growing Iowa’s economy,” said Ernst. “In addition to advocating for our manufacturers, Mr. Lighthizer pledged to promote our agricultural trade priorities, and I will work to ensure he maintains those commitments so that Iowa’s farmers and manufacturers are able to sell their goods competitively in the global market.”
Lighthizer’s experience includes: Senior Partner in the International Trade Group. Extensive experience in trade litigation representing large U.S. corporations and coalitions before domestic agencies and courts, as well as WTO dispute and NAFTA binational panels. Counsels clients with interests affected by bilateral and multilateral international negotiations and domestic legislation and policy issues. Advises companies regarding economic sanctions/export control, transaction due diligence, compliance, and enforcement actions. He has been a Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, rank of Ambassador, Regan Administration (1983-85); Chief of Staff, U.S. Senate Committee on Finance (1978-83). J.D., Georgetown University Law Center, 1973; B.A., Georgetown University, 1969.
