Rob Portman, United States Trade Representative

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate Rob Portman, of Ohio, to be United States Trade Representative. He currently serves in the United States House of Representatives. Throughout his 12 years in Congress, he has authored numerous bills that have become law including legislation regarding pension laws, capital gains taxes, IRS reform, and community anti-drug efforts. Congressman Portman is a member of the Ways and Means Committee and its subcommittee on Trade. He is also Vice Chairman of the Budget Committee, and he serves as the Chairman of the House Republican Leadership.

Prior to his election to Congress, he practiced business and international law as a partner in the Cincinnati law firm of Graydon, Head and Ritchey. Earlier in his career, Congressman Portman practiced international trade law at the Washington, DC law firm of Patton Boggs. He also served in President George H. W. Bush's Administration as Associate Counsel to the President and later as Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. He received his bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and his J.D. from the University of Michigan.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 17, 2005 Personnel Announcement