82R9103 JH-D
By: Anchia H.R. No. 516
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Ambassador Ron Kirk has distinguished himself in his
role as United States trade representative, and his dedicated work
in that position is indeed deserving of recognition; and
WHEREAS, A well-known figure in his home state of Texas,
where he held numerous public offices, Ron Kirk was appointed to his
present post by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the United
States Senate in March 2009; as trade representative, he is the
president's principal advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on
trade issues and is a member of the cabinet; and
WHEREAS, Ambassador Kirk's tenure as trade representative
has been marked by a renewed focus on assisting the nation's small
and medium-sized businesses as well as on a robust enforcement of
existing trade agreements; moreover, his office has worked to
resolve issues related to pacts that have been signed with Colombia
and Panama and to secure congressional approval of a landmark trade
agreement with South Korea, in addition to carrying forth many
other initiatives; and
WHEREAS, In all of his efforts, Ambassador Kirk is motivated
by the belief that proactive, responsible trade policies can play
an essential role in economic recovery, create jobs in the United
States, and assist American companies and workers as they compete
in the global economy; and
WHEREAS, This accomplished Texan draws on a broad range of
experience; the mayor of Dallas from 1995 to 2001, he also served as
Texas secretary of state under Governor Ann Richards, as chair of
the state's General Services Commission, and as a legislative aide
to U.S. senator Lloyd Bentsen; in the course of his law career, he
worked as an assistant city attorney for the City of Dallas and as a
partner at Vinson & Elkins LLP; and
WHEREAS, Our country's economic well-being and international
stature depend on an effective trade policy, and the determined
leadership that Ron Kirk has demonstrated as U.S. trade
representative is furthering that effort in important ways; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby honor Ambassador Ron Kirk for his outstanding
work as United States trade representative and extend to him
sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Ambassador Kirk as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.