By Bill Zeeble, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-825018.mp3
Dallas, TX – Former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk sailed through his confirmation hearing to be President Obama's U.S. Trade Representative. It lasted less than hour, because of a pressing senate vote. There was no real opposition, but Finance Committee members must still vote. KERA's Bill Zeeble has more.
Bill Zeeble, KERA reporter: In what could only be a positive sign for Kirk, Texas Senator John Cornyn introduced the USTR choice. Cornyn praised and supported Kirk, even though the two ran against each other in the 2002 race for the U.S. Senate.
Cornyn: I believe president Obama has chosen the right man for the job. As Mayor of Dallas, Ron Kirk saw how open markets create new opportunities for our people. He led trade missions to other nations. He recruited foreign investors. And he supported the North American Free Trade Agreement. I congratulate Mayor Kirk on his nomination and I'm proud to support my fellow Texan.
Zeeble: In recent weeks, the Senate Finance Committee and Cornyn raised concerns about Kirk after finding he failed to pay 10 thousand dollars in taxes. Kirk donated speaking fees directly to his college. The money should have been declared as income first, & taxes paid on it before giving the money to his Alma mater. Kirk is paying what's owed. Senator Cornyn said he's satisfied.
Cornyn: Like other members of the committee, I became aware of concerns about Mayor Kirk's payment of income taxes. I take these matters seriously, and after meeting with Mayor Kirk I know he does as well. Despite these concerns, I support Mayor Kirk's nomination, and a good choice for American exporters and investors.
Zeeble: Kirk - who helped coordinate the Obama campaign in Texas, is the President's only top level position filled from the Lone Star State. When he had a chance to talk, he thanked Cornyn, then, on a lighter note, introduced his wife Matrice.
Kirk: And today is her birthday.
Max Baucus: Let's all wish her happy birthday. [Applause].
Kirk: Not exactly the celebration that I promised her, but
Baucus: We're tempted to sing it, but we'll forgo that.
Kirk: Thank you so much.
Zeeble: Kirk encountered no real opposition in the hearings. But he has been criticized for being too pro-business. As mayor, he backed trade deals like the North American Free Trade Agreement, prompting opponents - including many union workers - to call him the wrong choice for USTR. With those critics in mind, Kirk told Senators that all foreign trade agreements will undergo a comprehensive review.
Kirk: If I'm privileged to be confirmed, I'm going to honor the President's commitment to you to make enforcement one of our very top priorities. And our role is going to be to not only work with the Department of Labor and the President to make sure that Americans that are struggling through these difficult times have the resources to recover but at the same time keeping a careful balance to make sure that trade remains a vibrant part of that economic recovery.
Zeeble; Because the confirmation hearing was short due to a pending Senate vote, the Committee Chair asked that any remaining questions be submitted in writing by this afternoon, with answers from Kirk offered as soon as possible. Another meeting's not yet been schedule, but Senate Finance Committee confirmation is expected, before a final vote is taken by the full Senate. Bill Zeeble, KERA news.