Senate backs Froman as trade representative

WASHINGTON (AP) ― Michael Froman, a senior White House economic adviser and classmate of President Barack Obama at Harvard Law School, on Wednesday won Senate confirmation to be the next U.S. trade representative.

The confirmation vote was 93-4, elevating the 50-year-old Froman to the head of an agency now involved in two of the most significant trade deals in recent history.

“In his new position, Mike will stay focused on our primary economic goals ― promoting growth, creating jobs and strengthening the middle class,” Obama said in a statement lauding the Senate’s action. “And he will continue to help open new markets for American businesses, level the playing field for American workers, farmers and ranchers, and fully enforce our trade rights.” 

Voting against From were an independent, Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and three Democrats: Carl Levin of Michigan, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. Warren said in a floor speech that she was voting against the nominee because he would not commit to more transparency on positions taken by the United States and other countries in trade negotiations.

“I believe we need a new direction from the trade representative, a direction that prioritizes transparency and public debate,” she said.

Froman, nominated by Obama in May, succeeds former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, who resigned as USTR in February after serving through Obama’s first term and finalizing free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia.

Froman has been serving as deputy national security adviser for international economic affairs and has been involved in coordinating White House policy on international trade, investments and energy.