Senate Panel Backs Kirk for Trade Post

Senate Panel Backs Kirk for Trade Post; The Wall Street Journal

The Senate Finance Committee voted in favor of Ron Kirk to become the next U.S. Trade Representative Thursday, moving the nomination forward to the full Senate.

In a voice vote, a majority of the committee approved the nomination. The only "no" vote was submitted by Sen. Jim Bunning (R., Ky.), who wasn't present.

There was no debate.

In a confirmation hearing Monday, Mr. Kirk didn't face any questions about tax-reporting errors that emerged during the Finance Committee vetting process, suggesting that he would face little opposition.

The former Dallas mayor has agreed to pay nearly $10,000 in back taxes related mostly to donated speaking fees and deductions for Dallas Mavericks tickets.

In his testimony Monday, Mr. Kirk said he doesn't come to the office with "deal fever," and that the Obama administration's priority will be enforcing existing trade agreements rather than penning new ones.