WASHINGTON, DC - Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) and Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) today issued the following statements on Timothy Reif being named to serve as Chief Transparency Officer in the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The Chief Transparency Officer position was created under Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), which was signed into law in June:
Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Levin: “I look forward to working with Tim in his capacity as the Chief Transparency Officer in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Tim has considerable experience in trade law, policy and negotiations, and is an effective General Counsel. His many years working with Members of Congress will help the Administration determine how to enhance the transparency of U.S. trade policy, a vital area in need of improvement. The Chief Transparency Officer will need to be given the resources and authority to ensure a much more effective and open exchange of information between USTR and Members of Congress, stakeholders, and the public on a broad range of outstanding issues in the Trans-Pacific Partnership."
Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Rangel: “I have worked with Mr. Reif for many years and know that he is a great American and excellent negotiator. As an experienced and dedicated public servant, Tim understands that ours is a government ‘of the people, by the people, and for the people.’ That understanding will serve him well in this role and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new capacity."
Prior to joining USTR in 2009, Reif served as Chief International Trade Counsel for the House Committee on Ways and Means.
