The confirmation of Robert Holleyman as deputy U.S....

The confirmation of Robert Holleyman as deputy U.S. Trade Representative will provide USTR digital experience as that area of the trade agenda continues to grow in importance, said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., in an opening statement at Wednesday’s hearing on Holleyman’s nomination. Holleyman was president of BSA/The Software Alliance for more than 20 years before stepping down in 2013. “Digital trade has rapidly emerged as a major source of economic growth and innovation, and it is fundamentally reorganizing how goods and services are made and traded across borders,” said Wyden (http://1.usa.gov/1mMYfmqf). “As significant trade agreements are taking shape, it is essential that USTR provide global leadership in the development of rules that make sense for a 21st century digital economy.” President Barack Obama sent Holleyman’s nomination to the Senate in February, to replace outgoing deputy USTR Miriam Sapiro. Public Citizen recently chided Holleyman for supporting the proposed Stop Online Piracy Act and PROTECT IP Act, which some critics say infringe on online liberties.