[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 5, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO AMBASSADOR RON KIRK

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2013

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize Ambassador Ron Kirk for his outstanding service as United 
States Trade Representative. As a member of President Obama's Cabinet, 
he has led the United States toward a stronger economic future.
  A former Texas Secretary of State, Ambassador Kirk became the first 
African-American mayor of my hometown Dallas, Texas, in 1995. During 
Ambassador Kirk's tenure as Mayor, he pursued trade policies and 
economic development initiatives that helped generate over 45,000 jobs 
and billions of dollars of investment in Dallas. He also prioritized 
public safety and oversaw the lowest crime rate in Dallas in 20 years.
  In his role as U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Kirk brought 
together a broad coalition of Americans to support free trade 
agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama, opening up new markets for 
American businesses and creating jobs here at home. Ambassador Kirk 
advanced high stakes regional Trans-Pacific Partnership talks and 
worked to maintain significant U.S. engagement in the World Trade 
Organization. His stellar list of accomplishments also includes 
supporting U.S. businesses and workers with his strong enforcement of 
U.S. trade rights and assisting small businesses eager to access 
international markets.
  Mr. Speaker, Ambassador Kirk is both a dear friend and an ardent 
public servant. I applaud Ambassador Kirk's commitment to serving U.S. 
businesses and workers, and his dedication to moving United States 
trade policies forward. He has been a devoted advocate for American 
workers and our economy, and I am thankful for his service to our 
country.

                          ____________________