Wyden Statement at Executive Session on ITC Nominees

It is virtually unheard of for me to support Donald Trump's nominees. However, in this case, I intend to support a slate of nominees from both parties to do the hard work of the International Trade Commission. That means enforcing trade laws and standing up for American manufacturers and farmers.

I am particularly glad to advance the nominations of Samuel Negatu and Bart Thanhauser. Both of these nominees have important experience working on trade issues that matter to American workers and businesses.They will be assets to the ITC's core missions of enforcing trade laws and providing independent analysis of trade policies.

This past two weeks I held town hall meetings in La Grande, Baker City, John Day and Enterprise, all in Eastern Oregon. These are ag communities where the ability to sell grown-in-Oregon beef, wheat, potatoes and onions, both at home and overseas is a matter of survival. Trade enforcement is what makes sure these communities get a fair shake when it's time to get their products to market. So I'm glad to see this committee moving to fill these important seats in a balanced way.

There will be a lot more to say about this administration's trade policy in the future, but for today, I am looking forward to supporting the nominees today.

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