The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has announced that Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, the U.S. trade representative in the previous administration, will receive the Michael J. Mansfield Award. This award named for the late Senator Mansfield (D-MT), Majority Leader of the Senate, recognizes exceptional dedication and commitment to the success of USMEF and hence the meat industry. As the U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Lighthizer was involved in key trade negotiations including the Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement with China.
In commenting on the award, Ambassador Lighthizer stated, "I am truly honored to receive the Michael J. Mansfield Award as I have known some of the other recipients and they all 
did a great job for this country". He added, " Our office worked closely with USMEF through several negotiations and hopefully benefited the people USMEF represents".