Senate unanimously confirms Katherine Tai as U.S. trade representative

Washington — The Senate confirmed Katherine Tai as the top U.S. trade envoy in an unanimous bipartisan vote on Wednesday. She will be the first Asian American and first woman of color to hold the position.

Tai is considered a problem-solving pragmatist, and her nomination by President Biden to be U.S. trade representative drew support from Democrats and Republicans alike. She was confirmed on a 98-0 vote and is the 19th member of Mr. Biden's Cabinet to clear the Senate. A former trade negotiator and congressional staffer, Tai has vowed to work for a U.S. trade policy that benefits ordinary workers, not just big corporations, and to work more closely with America's allies to confront an increasingly assertive China.