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    January 5, 2021

    Leibowitz on Trade: The Confirmation Game

    Written by Lewis Leibowitz

    Last Thursday, policy wonks observed the confirmation hearing of Katherine Tai to be the new United States Trade Representative, replacing Robert Lighthizer. When a new administration takes over, the previous leadership departs at noon on Jan. 20 and “acting” leadership assumes authority, but generally not much power. The new team is nominated, typically on Jan. 20 or even before. The process of Senate confirmation requires a hearing before the Senate committee with jurisdiction over the matters that the nominee will take charge over.

    Katherine Tai is a veteran trade lawyer in government and really knows trade. I personally have worked with her on trade matters. She is thorough, has a great eye for detail, asks tough and very pertinent questions of her interlocutors. A real professional. She came to USTR late in the George W. Bush administration and served there through the Obama years. In 2014, she moved to Congress as Democratic trade counsel for the House Ways and Means Committee. She will move from there to USTR when she is confirmed by the Senate, which will happen within a few weeks, barring unforeseen events. 

    Lewis Leibowitz, SMU Contributor

    Lewis Leibowitz

    Lewis Leibowitz, owner of the Law Office of Lewis E. Leibowitz, practices in the areas of international trade law, customs law, and international commercial transactions. He represents clients before all federal courts and agencies dealing with international trade matters. Mr. Leibowitz advises and assists clients in diverse matters including trade remedies, customs, foreign-trade zones and free trade agreements, trade negotiations, and related matters. He can be reached at lewis.leibowitz@lellawoffice.com.

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