Washington D.C. – The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) Foundation today announced it will honor Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, Congressman Darin LaHood and Senator Rob Portman at its annual World Trade Dinner and Awards Ceremony, which will take place on December 5th, 2019, at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.
This year’s World Trade Award winner is Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (D-Florida), who serves on the Trade Subcommittee of the Committee on Ways and Means and co-chairs the Blue Dog Coalition. The award recognizes her strong support for pro-trade policies and her efforts to reassert Congressional authority over tariffs.
“Congresswoman Murphy is a leading example of the new, dynamic generation of House Members who understand how vital trade is to the success of America’s businesses, workers and consumers,” said Rufus Yerxa, President of the National Foreign Trade Council. “Her work on tariff reform and her efforts to promote a strategic review of issues such as U.S.- China trade are of utmost importance, and we are pleased to be able to recognize her commitment to the principles and goals of NFTC.”
The NFTC will also honor Congressman Darin LaHood (R-Illinois), Co-Chair of the Digital Trade Caucus, with the Trade Leadership for the Digital Age Award, in recognition of his work on a range of proposals to enhance digital trade.
“Congressman LaHood is a key leader in helping to advance a legislative agenda for digital trade that reinforces U.S. global leadership in this vital area,” said Jake Colvin, Vice President for Global Trade and Innovation at NFTC and Executive Director of the Global Innovation Forum. “His bipartisan approach and keen understanding of the need for better trade rules for the digital age are highly valued by our members.”
NFTC is also conferring a new award, the International Tax Award, to recognize significant contributions to fostering fair and equal tax treatment for U.S. companies around the world. The inaugural recipient of this award is Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), a staunch supporter of fairer international tax policies.
“Tax and trade go hand in hand,” said Cathy Schultz, Vice President for Tax Policy at NFTC. “Nobody understands that better than Senator Portman. This year he has worked tirelessly in the Senate to gain ratification of key bilateral tax treaties and to ensure proper implementation of new tax laws. His efforts in both areas have been extremely important to empowering American businesses in global trade.”
The NFTC Foundation’s World Trade Dinner has become a valued tradition in Washington D.C. Past speakers and honorees have included members of Congress and the Administration, CEO’s, thought leaders, and heads of state.
