Shaheen Meets with U.S. Trade Representative Nominee Katherine Tai

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, issued the following statement after meeting this afternoon with Katherine Tai, President Biden’s nominee to serve as United States Trade Representative (USTR):

“As the chief negotiator and advisor to the president on global trade policy, the role of United States Trade Representative is one of the most important positions to fill in any administration. Trade is crucial to New Hampshire and America’s prosperity, impacting everything from the cost of everyday essentials like prescription drugs and groceries to the creation of good-paying jobs and economic growth in our communities,” said Shaheen. “During my meeting with Katherine Tai this afternoon, I heard more about her deep knowledge and wide-ranging experience working on complex trade issues, including her prior work at USTR and role as Chief Trade Counsel on the House Ways and Means Committee. I also raised a number of critical issues, such as the importance of rebuilding America’s trade relationships with its partners and allies, fighting for trade policies and agreements that benefit Granite State working families, addressing unfair economic and trade practices from adversaries like China and the importance of increased transparency and cooperation between USTR and Congress on trade issues. I appreciate my extensive conversation with Katherine today and look forward to seeing her historic nomination advance in the Senate.”

Senator Shaheen has long supported trade agreements and programs that increase opportunities and growth for New Hampshire businesses. Shaheen helped create the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) as a pilot program in 2010 to help small businesses enter new markets, access export financing and attend trade missions. The program was fully authorized by Senator Shaheen’s small business trade amendment, which was signed into law in 2016. Senator Shaheen has prioritized efforts in Congress to help small businesses boost their exports. Shaheen was also the first New Hampshire Governor to lead trade missions outside of North America.