Crapo Statement at Hearing on ITC Nominees

Crapo Statement at Hearing on ITC Nominees

Washington, D.C.-U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing to consider nominees for the International Trade Commission.

As prepared for delivery:

"Before us today are five bipartisan individuals nominated to serve as Commissioners at the U.S. International Trade Commission, or ITC.

"They are David Foley, Jr. of Virginia, a Republican nominee; Brett Doyle of Connecticut, also a Republican nominee; Peter-Anthony Pappas of New Jersey, our final Republican nominee; Bart Thanhauser of New York, a Democratic nominee; and finally, Samuel Negatu of the District of Columbia, a Democratic nominee.

"Thank you all for appearing today.

"The important work of the International Trade Commission requires the full complement of its commissioners. Filling these positions is long overdue.

"The ITC serves a unique role as an independent, nonpartisan, quasi-judicial federal agency. Specifically, the Commission has three key trade-related missions.

"First, the ITC is central to trade enforcement. The Commission's import injury and unfair import investigations protect domestic industry by ensuring a level playing field.

"Second, the ITC provides Congress and the Administration with independent, high-quality economic analysis of trade issues including tariffs, competitiveness and the impacts of international trade agreements.

"Third, the ITC maintains the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, which is critical to facilitating lawful trade and ensuring enforcement of customs duties.

"It is important to note that the ITC would be unable to meet this vital mission without its incredibly dedicated and deeply knowledgeable career staff who continue to navigate sustained high levels of investigations.

"A full slate of Commissioners will further support the ITC's mission.

"Thank you again to our nominees for their time today."