[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 130 (Tuesday, July 29, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S4811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CONFIRMATION OF WILLIAM KIMMITT

  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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