SENATE CONFIRMS ROSS AS COMMERCE SECRETARY

The Senate on Monday confirmed billionaire investor Wilbur Ross as Commerce secretary as President Trump adds to his economic team. The vote was 72-27.

Ross said the Trump administration will work quickly to redo the North American Free Trade Agreement. That’s the massive trade pact with Canada and Mexico that has boosted trade but still stings laid-off workers across the Midwest.

Senators from both parties were deferential to Ross at his nearly four-hour confirmation hearing, which was much more subdued than the confirmation hearings of other Trump nominees. Former Commerce secretaries have praised him, including one who served under Barack Obama.