[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 166 (Monday, October 16, 2017)] [Senate] [Page S6398] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO RONALD K. LORENTZENMr. BROWN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Mr. Ronald K. Lorentzen, a dedicated public servant who has spent his career advocating for American workers and businesses. Mr. Lorentzen retired on June 30, 2017, after more than three decades of government service. Born in the blue-collar town of Ashtabula, OH--a great hometown, as my wife Connie can attest--Mr. Lorentzen's roots are evident in his life's work. Too often, especially in trade policy, representatives and policymakers fail to live up to the promises they have made to working families, but not Mr. Lorentzen. He never forgot where he came from, and he never forgot the workers who are too often left behind by our trade policy. In his roles at the International Trade Administration, he has been a leader in our government's efforts to combat unfair trade practices and hold countries that cheat the rules accountable. He served as lead negotiator for the U.S. and chairman of the Steel Committee at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, where he worked to address steel overcapacity within the U.S. Market. While we know we have a lot more work to do to create a truly level playing field for our steel industry, his work helped shape a more fair international steel market for American companies. In addition, Mr. Lorentzen led U.S. delegations before the North American Steel Trade Committee, NASTC. He helped ensure the NASTC fulfilled its mission as a forum for NAFTA steel countries to build consensus and develop united positions on areas of common concern. A firm grasp of the facts and diplomatic skill made him a strong and effective advocate for U.S. manufacturers. Through his many roles in government, Mr. Lorentzen has served this country and its working families. He has stood up for workers in my State, and his efforts have helped save jobs. When we enforce our trade policies and hold accountable those who cheat the international trade system, we are ensuring our workers and businesses have access to a level playing field. Mr. Lorentzen has been a leader in that fight. Mr. Lorentzen will be remembered for his compassion, work ethic, and integrity. I ask my Senate colleges to join me in thanking him for his service and wishing him all the best on his retirement. ____________________