by | Sep 26, 2011 | Trade Policy

Bersin described as “a radical departure from prior leaders”

American Shipper reports that Alan Bersin’s appointment as Commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection will most likely not be confirmed by the Senate and he will have to step down. President Obama made the Bersin appointment during a Congressional recess in March 2010; the rules require that such appointments be confirmed before the end of the next session of Congress.

American Shipper describes Bersin as a “popular Customs chief” who believes the CBP should enable trade, not just regulate it.

Datamyne blog columnist Peter Quinter wrote about Commissioner Bersin in April as “a radical departure from prior leaders” and a “friend in high places” for those who advocate a reduction in the red tape that hampers trade (see Three Dirty Words, Left Unsaid). Commenting on the commissioner’s speech to the annual meeting of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, Quinter quoted Bersin: “We need to drive transaction costs down 10-15% to become more competitive with China, Brazil, and India … I need your help in making this happen.”

According to American Shipper, Bersin’s failure to speak as scheduled at the fall conference of the NCBFAA last Monday is a sign that a transition is already underway.

Read the American Shipper story at http://bit.ly/qCugqs.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of its author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views or Descartes Datamyne. In addition, this article is for general information purposes only and it’s not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and my not be used for professional or commercial purposes. No one should act, or refrain from acting, based solely on this article without first seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice.

Related Posts: