Trump trade nominee says he supports ‘America first’ policy

President Trump’s nominee to be U.S. trade representative said Tuesday that he supports an “America first” trade policy.

“I agree with President Trump that we should have an America first trade policy and that we can do better in negotiating our trade agreements and be stronger in enforcing our trade laws,” Robert Lighthizer said during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee.

“I further believe we need an international trade system that functions the way it was negotiated and that the United States must be ready to work with like-minded trading partners to ensure fair trade and to encourage market efficiency.”

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Lighthizer said that if he is confirmed, he will work with Congress, other administration officials and stakeholders to implement policies that grow the economy and improve the well-being of workers and businesses.

Former Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.) introduced Lighthizer at the hearing. Lighthizer served as staff director to the Finance Committee when Dole served as chairman of the panel in the early 1980s. 

“I know him to be a man of complete honesty and integrity, and … a bulldog when it comes to getting things done,” Dole said.

Dole added that the committee had “great success on many difficult issues” when Lighthizer was staff director.

Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), who serve on the Finance Committee and represent Lighthizer’s home state, also introduced the nominee.