"The International Trade Commission is an independent, non-partisan, quasi-judicial federal agency that provides trade expertise to both the legislative and executive branches of government," Grassley said. "It determines the impact of imports on U.S. industries and directs actions against certain unfair trade practices, such as patent, trademark, and copyright infringement.
"Its work is critical to the proper functioning of our trade policy. That's why the people who serve on the commission should have a strong understanding of international trade, be impartial in their application of our international trade law, and represent diverse sectors of our economy so every sector gets full consideration in trade decisions."
Last year, Grassley expressed disappointment that President Bush's last nominee to the commission didn't have a strong agricultural background. At the time, Grassley expressed his willingness to place a hold on the then-current nominee until he could be sure the next nominee would have a strong agricultural background. The President later announced his intention to nominate Dan Pearson as the next nominee to the commission.
Grassley said Pearson has an outstanding background in agriculture and international trade.Pearson has farmed an 800-acre operation with his father and brother. He has worked as a vice president and policy analyst in Cargill's public affairs department since 1987, focusing primarily on international trade policy issues. Pearson also worked as an agricultural legislative assistant to former U.S. Sen. Rudy Boschwitz. He holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in agricultural economics from the University of Minnesota.
Grassley said Pearson is highly respected in the agricultural community, as evidenced by a letter he received in August 2002 in which 16 agricultural associations wrote:
"We believe Dan's years as a farmer, coupled with his long legislative and corporate experience in international agricultural trade issues, make him an ideal candidate to serve on the International Trade Commission as it grapples with future agriculture trade disputes. We support his candidacy wholeheartedly and urge Members of the Senate to expeditiously approve his nomination as Commissioner of the International Trade Commission."
Groups signing the letter were the American Beekeeping Federation, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sheep Industry Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Chicken Council,National Cotton Council, National Corn Growers Association, National Milk Producers Federation,National Pork Producers Council, United Egg Producers, United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, U.S. Apple Association, U.S. Dairy Export Council and U.S. Rice Producers' Group.
Today, the Finance Committee held a hearing to consider the nominations of Pearson and Charlotte Lane to the International Trade Commission. Grassley, who scheduled the hearing, said he hopes the committee will vote to confirm the nominees later this month.