SENATE FINANCE SUPPORTS NOMINATION OF HUNTSMAN TO USTR DEPUTY

SENATE FINANCE SUPPORTS NOMINATION OF HUNTSMAN TO USTR DEPUTY    Ranking Senate Finance Committee members have voiced support for the nomination of Jon Huntsman Jr. to deputy of the U.S. Trade Representative.
   “I think that my colleagues will find Jon Huntsman an individual who is willing to work in a bi-partisan manner to promote the benefits of free trade in a manner that is consistent with, and advances, key American values,” said Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, of the Finance Committee. “I urge his nomination to be swiftly acted upon by the committee.”
   Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., similarly praised Huntsman’s credentials.
   Huntsman’s role as deputy at the USTR, if selected, will be to focus on East Asian affairs. He will also work closely with Ambassador Robert Zoellick, head of the USTR.
   “The policy challenges Mr. Huntsman will face are many. His portfolio will include China’s accession to the WTO (World Trade Organization), our ongoing efforts to improve market access in Korea and Japan, and negotiation of a free trade agreement with Singapore,” Baucus said.
   Huntsman told the committee: “There is much to be done to regain our momentum in a world that is moving forward aggressively if we hope to maintain America’s preeminence in global economics. With the United States party to only two of the 130 free trade agreements worldwide, it is crucial for America to get off the sidelines.”