U.S. Rep. Benjamin Cardin (D-Maryland) has been nominated as the ranking member of the subcommittee in the House of Representatives that shapes U.S. trade policy— the Trade Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee. Formal approval by the House Democratic Caucus is expected this week.

Noting that promotion of trade is an important issue to his Baltimore congressional district, Cardin said in a Jan. 26 news release that he is "also sensitive to the vital role that trade plays in advancing human rights globally."

"In addition," he added, "it is critical that the United States take a leadership role internationally in advancing environmental and labor standards in its trade negotiations.

—Donald H. Harrison