Senate Confirms Greer as Trade Representative Amid Debate on Regulatory Cuts

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate confirmed Jamieson Greer as the new United States Trade Representative in a 56-43 vote today, marking a significant step in President Trump’s administration as it aims to address concerns over trade practices and national security.

“It is my honor to be confirmed by the Senate to serve as President Trump’s US Trade Representative,” Ambassador Greer said after the vote. “President Trump recognizes the role unfair trade practices have played in offshoring American jobs and harming our national security. Under his leadership, I will work strategically to address these issues.”

Greer’s confirmation comes amidst ongoing discussions in Congress regarding the potential elimination of several U.S. entities, including the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) and the United States African Development Foundation (USADF). On February 19, Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) sent a letter to President Trump expressing deep concerns about reducing governmental entities that promote U.S. interests abroad.

The senators emphasized the importance of these organizations, which have historically received bipartisan support since their establishment. “Eliminating or effectively preventing the IAF or USADF from carrying out their missions would be illegal and would undermine U.S. leadership in critical regions,” the letter stated. “Both entities facilitate development and democratic governance in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa.”

The senators also highlighted that the IAF and USADF have statutorily required functions that cannot be overridden by executive order. They warned that any measure to dismantle these organizations would create a vacuum that could be exploited by adversarial powers, potentially harming U.S. interests.

“We urge you to respect the statutes governing these foundations,” they concluded. “If changes to the IAF’s and USADF’s missions are deemed necessary, such proposals should go through Congress for legislative consideration.”

Compounding the pressure on Greer’s trade agenda, Senate Republicans are currently working on revising a budget resolution that seeks to make the 2017 tax cuts permanent, amid warnings about a potential “debt spiral.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and a group of Republican senators have defended these tax cuts despite concerns from within the party. “It’s crucial we discuss these issues openly,” Thune said, indicating the complexities being faced by congressional leaders as deadlines loom.

With both trade policy and fiscal stability at stake, the coming weeks will be critical for Greer, who is tasked with navigating through these contentious political waters as he embarks on his new role.