WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2013 – U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced Tuesday that he plans to leave his position at the end of February, after serving nearly four years.
“It has been no less than my greatest professional privilege to serve President Barack Obama alongside the dedicated professionals of USTR,” Kirk said. “Together, we have made great strides to bring about the president’s vision of a more robust, responsible, and responsive trade policy that opens markets to products stamped ‘Made-in-America’ and enforces Americans’ trade rights around the world – and does so in a way that is more consistent with America’s core values on issues like the rights of workers and the environment.”
Obama and House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., praised Kirk.
“There’s no question Ron delivered results for the American people and for our economy,” Obama said. “From bringing home new trade agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama and negotiating to open up new markets for American businesses, to cracking down on unfair trade practices around the world, he has been a tremendous advocate for the American worker.”
Hoyer said, “Throughout this tenure, Kirk has stressed that when American businesses can compete fairly, they will prosper and create new opportunities for jobs here at home. He has been a strong supporter of American workers and their role as the engine of our economic growth, and I was glad to have had the opportunity to work with him in developing parts of House Democrats’ jobs plan to revitalize our manufacturing sector.”
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