International trade reps: Michael Punke, Dr. Isi Siddiqui given recess appointments

Two Key Trade Positions Filled With Recess Appointments


The White House announced that President Barack Obama would fill 15 administration posts held vacant due to continuing political issues in the Senate, including two key trade nominees pending since last fall.

Michael Punke and Dr. Isi Siddiqui were both given recess appointments, as deputy U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) based in Geneva and chief agricultural negotiator at USTR, respectively.

In the early 1990s, Punke served as international trade counsel on the staff of Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), the chairman of the Finance Committee, followed by four years of service dealing with international affairs in the Clinton administration, including two years as senior policy adviser at USTR.