[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 178 (Thursday, December 3, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S12352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                     Nomination of Victoria Espinel

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am pleased that the Senate today 
confirmed Victoria Espinel as the Nation's first intellectual property 
enforcement coordinator. This position was created by legislation that 
I introduced last year and is vital to protect the intellectual 
property interests of United States innovators and companies. 
Intellectual property rights promote innovation and creativity, and the 
protection of those rights is critical during this time of economic 
uncertainty.
  Ms. Espinel is extremely well qualified to serve as the President's 
intellectual property enforcement coordinator. She has an extensive 
background in intellectual property issues, both foreign and domestic, 
and has experience in government and in the private sector. Ms. Espinel 
served in the Bush administration as the Assistant United States Trade 
Representative for Intellectual Property and Innovation. This is a 
nomination that deserves bipartisan support. American innovation and 
our intellectual property protection should not be a partisan issue.
  The legislation by which we created this position took a 
comprehensive approach to intellectual property protection by providing 
Federal, State, and local law enforcement with the tools and resources 
they need to combat intellectual property theft. The legislation 
created an interagency advisory committee to develop a more efficient 
and cohesive approach to protecting American intellectual property. I 
am confident that Ms. Espinel will work well with that committee.
  I look forward to working with Ms. Espinel to improve the efficiency 
and effectiveness of our intellectual property enforcement efforts. I 
know her family, and was delighted to chair her confirmation hearing. I 
congratulate her on her Senate confirmation.

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