Senate OKs Barshefsky as U.S. Trade Rep
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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed Charlene Barshefsky as U.S. trade representative after voting to lift a barrier to her taking office.
The vote was almost unanimous, reflecting wide admiration for Barshefsky’s skills as a tough trade negotiator.
President Clinton named Barshefsky to succeed Mickey Kantor, who moved to head the Commerce Department last April. She was Kantor’s deputy for three years and has been serving as acting trade representative.
Before confirming Barshefsky on a 99-1 vote, the Senate approved a waiver of a 1995 law that bars anyone who represented a foreign government in a trade dispute with the United States from occupying the top trade post.
The waiver was needed because Barshefsky represented the Canadian lumber industry in a dispute with the United States while she was with a Washington law firm. The waiver was approved 98 to 2 and sent to the House for action.
Barshefsky, 46, holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and a law degree from Catholic University in Washington.
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