Confirmation of William Kimmitt

Floor Speech

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Mr. MORENO. Madam President, I would like to congratulate William Kimmitt on his confirmation as the next Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade. This is an outstanding appointment not just for the Department of Commerce, but also for the American people.

Mr. Kimmitt's life has been defined by service, both of his own and that of his family. His grandfather Stan Kimmitt, a decorated war veteran who served in World War II and in Korea, devoted his career to Senator Mike Mansfield and ultimately served as Secretary of the Senate from 1977-1981. His uncle Jay Kimmitt spent decades on the Appropriations Committee as a professional staff member. His aunt and godmother Judy dedicated nearly her entire professional life to serving six different Senators. This is a patriotic family who clearly values the dignity of public service. I trust that William will continue the family tradition as the Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade.

However impressive Mr. Kimmitt's family might be, his personal career speaks volumes to the type of man he is. He served as counselor to then-United States Trade Representative Bob Lighthizer and helped implement the historic USMCA. William defended our steel and aluminum industries and worked tirelessly to ensure that America's trade policy put our workers, farmers, and manufacturers first--and not the other way around. While working for the USTR, he navigated the complex intersection of law, diplomacy, security, and commerce, while always advancing President Trump's America First agenda.

Mr. Kimmitt also brings over a decade of private sector experience as a partner at Kirkland & Ellis, where he represented U.S. companies in cases before the International Trade Commission and advised on supply chain issues. He understands, from the boardroom to the factory floor, how trade policy impacts ``Forgotten Americans,'' real businesses, and our long-term competitiveness against geoeconomic rivals like China.

As Under Secretary, Mr. Kimmitt will lead the International Trade Administration and will be responsible for: No. 1, promoting market access for American goods and services; and No. 2, enforcing our trade laws to combat unfair practices. Both functions are critical to our safety and prosperity.

On market access, when American farmers and manufacturers have a fair chance to compete against international firms, they always win. Whether it is automobiles from Ohio, refined chemicals from Pennsylvania, or soybeans from Iowa, our products are second to none. ITA ensures that foreign markets are open to those goods by cutting through redtape and breaking down trade barriers. That means more exports, more jobs, and stronger communities here at home.

On enforcement, ITA plays a vital role in confronting dumping practices, countering illegal subsidies, and ensuring that foreign competitors play by the rules. For too long, American workers were undercut by countries exploiting loopholes, manipulating markets, and ignoring labor standards. Under Mr. Kimmitt's leadership, we will have an Under Secretary committed to using every tool available to level the playing field and bring justice to American workers.

Mr. Kimmitt has pledged to use America's trade tools strategically, enforce our laws vigorously, and give our exporters the support they need to succeed globally. I know he will deliver on these promises. His deep understanding of how trade policy intersects with our national interest will serve this Nation well.

So today, I congratulate William Kimmitt on his confirmation as our next Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade. I thank him, his wife Heather, and their four children--Kaitlyn, Kevin, Will, and Abby--for once again answering the call to serve. I am certain that he will make the ITA a tireless champion for the American worker.

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