Source: MEATINGPLACE, 3/17/17

President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Trade Representative promised strong enforcement of U.S. trade laws and agreements at a confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, according to media reports.

Robert Lighthizer told senators he would bring as many enforcement actions as can be justified under World Trade Organization rules, bilateral trade agreements and U.S. trade remedy laws, Reuters reported.

"I expect that we're going to have a very rigorous enforcement policy," Lighthizer was quoted as saying. "This will be the point of emphasis."

Lighthizer, who served as deputy USTR in the 1980s, also said maintaining gains made in agricultural exports and encouraging more production to return to the United States would be priorities in renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico.

Democratic committee members are asserting that Lighthizer’s confirmation requires a waiver due to his past representation of foreign clients in trade negotiations while in private practice.

Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), in a prepared statement, said Senate Democrats are willing to work with Republicans to provide a statutory exemption for Lighthizer but would also like Republicans to work with Democrats to pass legislation to protect pension and healthcare benefits for retired mine workers.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), in a statement, said Lighthizer is “indisputably qualified” to serve as USTR and urged a quick confirmation by the Senate.

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