(March 20, 2009) Shortly after the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly confirmed former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk as the new U.S. trade representative this week, the California Chamber of Commerce outlined its strong support for free trade and urged him to work for approval of U.S. free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and Korea.
In a letter congratulating Kirk on his appointment and confirmation, CalChamber President Allan Zaremberg reiterated the CalChamber’s support for free trade worldwide, expansion of international trade and investment, fair and equitable market access for California products abroad, and elimination of disincentives that impede the international competitiveness of California business.
International-related commerce (including exports and imports of goods and services) accounts for roughly one-quarter of California’s $1.8 trillion economy, which ranks among the top 10 in the world.
As President Barack Obama’s top international trade official, Kirk will be responsible for opening new markets for U.S. products and enforcing international trade rules at home and abroad. The former Dallas mayor was confirmed by a vote of 92-5.
Kirk’s original confirmation hearing took place March 10 before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, which has sole jurisdiction over international trade and ordered his nomination favorably reported out of committee on March 12.
Kirk Statement
In a written statement to the finance committee, Kirk outlined his support for free trade and the important role it plays in the nation’s economy.
“The President and I believe trade plays a key role in contributing to the strength of our nation’s and the world’s economy,” he said. “We believe fundamentally that fair, open and transparent rules-based trade can act as a catalyst to benefit working families and business, large and small, throughout this country.”
Kirk, the first African American to hold the trade representative job, has promised to work with Congress to win approval of free trade agreements negotiated by the administration of former President George W. Bush with Colombia, Korea and Panama, but has said the agreements with Korea and Colombia represent significant challenges.
“Other priorities include working with our trading partners to advance the Doha Round negotiations, working with you and the countries in question on pending agreements, and pursuing new initiatives that will seek to channel trade as a driver of economic progress – if they are done right,” he said.
Background
Kirk became the first black mayor of Dallas when he won the job in 1995. He held that post until 2001 when he resigned to make an unsuccessful run for Senate, losing to current Senator John Cornyn. He was highly touted in the 2002 election for the senate seat as a business-friendly African American who could get elected in the South.
In 1994, Kirk served as the Texas Secretary of State. He is a former Dallas assistant city attorney for governmental relations.
Most recently Kirk has been a partner in the Dallas office of the Houston-based law firm Vinson and Elkins, where his main area of practice has been public finance and public policy.
He received his J.D. in 1979 from the University of Texas, School of Law.
Staff Contact: Susanne Stirling