WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate has confirmed Robert Lighthizer, a partner in Washington law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flomas, as the new U.S. Trade Representative.
Mr. Lighthizer was deputy trade representative during the Reagan administration. He has a reputation as a tough trade negotiator who believes in an "America First" trade policy and calls for holding China to account for unfair trade practices.
He was confirmed May 11 by an 82-14 vote.
The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), a coalition of U.S. manufacturers and the United Steelworkers union, urged the Senate on the day of the vote to confirm Mr. Lighthizer.
"Mr. Lighthizer has been a champion for advancing a level playing field for America's manufacturing sector and its workers his entire career," wrote AAM President Scott Paul.
Trade issues such as dumping, global industrial overcapacity and currency manipulation requires strong leadership, and Lighthizer would provide that, Mr. Paul noted.