TPP negotiator joins Trump White House

Trump’s new special assistant on international trade, investment and development on the National Economic Council once helped guide negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Andrew Quinn, a former deputy chief negotiator of the TPP who was hired by the agency as deputy assistant USTR in 2012, joined the council on Monday.  [Adam Behsudi| February 28, 2016 |Politico]…

Senate Confirms Wilbur Ross as Commerce Secretary

WASHINGTON—The Senate on Monday confirmed Wilbur Ross as Commerce secretary, an appointment key to enabling President Donald Trump to make progress on a campaign promise to overhaul U.S. trade policy. [William Mauldin | February 27, 2016 |The Wall Street Journal] The vote was 72-27, with those opposing Mr. Ross questioning his foreign investments. Sen. Chris Murphy (D., Conn.) told…

ROSS’ SIDE PROJECT: MAKE AMERICA FIRST ON SEAFOOD

Wilbur Ross is expected to emerge as the Trump administration’s leading voice on trade after the Senate votes tonight to confirm him as Commerce Department secretary. He’s already singled out a surprising pet project: Reducing America’s reliance on seafood imports.  [Megan Cassella| February 27, 2016 |Politico] “Given the enormity of our coastlines, given the enormity of our…